It is a common warning among many that sharing custody a pet post-separation is a terrible idea. Most will argue such situations hinder individuals from finding closure, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to become depressed.
Without minimizing the mental health of our pets – countless people observe their deep emotional capacity. If you need standout portrayal in canine melancholy, one need only look a past film. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time coping with life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation holds water seems rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. It functions as a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity are modest. The narrative unfolds as uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – featuring a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – exemplified by fake snow clinging to green trees as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
How these standard ingredients come together into an entertaining watch hinges on the actors' work and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who scroll endlessly for dog videos. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie does offer walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Human Element
This level of success does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style vacillates between serious study, broad humor, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master a single genre. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe demanded of the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a bit too dry, particularly when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a very good boy.)
The film attempts to add substance to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, since the title character is undoubtedly the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup might seem more grounded and mature with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, hitting all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
