It is a common warning among many that sharing custody a dog post-separation is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such setups impede former couples from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. As it turns out, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to become depressed.
Not to downplay the mental health of dogs – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a standout portrayal in pet despair, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog played by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with split households. The idea of basing a full holiday film on such a setup works effectively remains rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, written by its screenwriters and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. It functions as a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions remains surface-level. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will surely realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – including familiar faces – serve as the usual assortment of types. Visually has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – as seen in flurries surrounding green trees as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
How these familiar elements merge into something enjoyable rests upon the actors' work and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who browse regularly for cute animal clips. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and even if it causes some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style vacillates between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the dog resort scenario. He brings a charming humility that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself is convincing at flopping and whining – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, considering Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their separation might seem more nuanced with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
