This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such situations prevent former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.
While respecting the inner life of dogs – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. If you need prime example in canine melancholy, consider another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time coping with split households. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation works effectively remains a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth is limited. Its storyline unfolds as simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – featuring a group of comedic actors – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – think flurries clinging to lush pines as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
How these predictable parts coalesce into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who browse regularly for pet content. Audiences receive a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the canine star, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, pet moping, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between relationship drama, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, failing to master any one mode. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. The character comes across as a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a very good boy.)
The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, since the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
