It is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a pet after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such situations prevent individuals from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the inner life of animals – countless people observe their remarkable empathy. For a masterclass in dog sorrow, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a full holiday film on this conflict holds water remains rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. It functions as a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. The plot is destined to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – including a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look has the quality of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – as seen in flurries clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
How these standard ingredients coalesce into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who browse regularly for pet content. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and while this leads to some stilted moments between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
This level of success cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, failing to master any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog succeeds in flopping and whining – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The reason for their original breakup would feel more grounded and mature with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Making a film with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video this December.
