This is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a pet following a split is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such situations prevent individuals from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Seemingly, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – pet parents speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adapting to split households. The idea of basing a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable seems a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. The narrative proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will surely rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – including familiar faces – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – think obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as a summer location doubles as a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these standard ingredients coalesce into a pleasant experience rests upon the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style vacillates between serious study, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, not quite landing a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is fully game the humiliating and funny inherent in the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a bit too dry, especially when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, the canine performer is convincing at acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)
The story strives to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, considering the title character is undoubtedly the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more nuanced with less exposition and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – even if it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
