This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that co-parenting a canine companion after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such situations prevent ex-partners from healing, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. As it turns out, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the mental health of dogs – countless people speak of their deep emotional capacity. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would struggle adapting to split households. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation works effectively seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. This is a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the depth are modest. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – including a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
If these familiar elements come together into something enjoyable depends on the actors' work and one's taste for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who scroll endlessly for dog videos. The film delivers a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and even if it causes some stilted moments between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie does offer canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the romantic plot. Its style wavers between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe demanded of the dog resort scenario. He brings a likable self-deprecation that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a touch too detached, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself is convincing at acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to add substance to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, since Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation might seem more nuanced with less exposition and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting every expected note. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – though it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
