It is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups hinder individuals from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents attest to their deep emotional capacity. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by Gus the Dog, would struggle adjusting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation holds water remains debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by its screenwriters and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than its premise. We have here a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity is limited. The narrative unfolds as uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as the usual assortment of types. The film's look has the quality of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – exemplified by obvious snow effects piled on green trees as a warm climate stands in for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements coalesce into a pleasant experience depends on the actors' work and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who scroll endlessly for pet content. Audiences receive a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, pet moping, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness is not earned for the romantic plot. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master a single genre. This is not Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe demanded of the unusual premise. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a little too aloof, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Gus the Dog succeeds in acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, given that Merv is easily the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split would feel more adult and realistic with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – though I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
