It is a widely held belief in certain circles that sharing custody a canine companion after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such situations impede ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. As it turns out, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. If you need standout portrayal in dog sorrow, consider recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog played by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to split households. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation holds water is a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than its premise. It functions as a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – played by familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – think obvious snow effects piled on green trees as a warm climate stands in for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these standard ingredients coalesce into an entertaining watch hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The tone shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, not quite landing a single genre. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny demanded of the bizarre setting. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna comes across as a touch too detached, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself manages acting depressed – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)
The film attempts to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering the title character is by far the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – but I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video this December.
