This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such situations prevent ex-partners from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.
While respecting the mental health of our pets – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in pet despair, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation works effectively seems debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and under the guidance of director Swale, never aspires to be deeper than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the complexity are modest. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will presumably realize the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – played by familiar faces – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – think obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
How these standard ingredients come together into something enjoyable hinges on the execution and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is Merv himself, and while this leads to some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, dog depression, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. Its style vacillates between serious study, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, not quite landing any one mode. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is fully game the humiliating and funny required by the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. The character seems a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, the canine performer succeeds in acting depressed – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is undoubtedly the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more grounded and mature with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.
