This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such situations hinder ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and become annoying for all parties. As it turns out, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the mental health of our pets – countless people attest to their remarkable empathy. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, simply recall a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type played by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time coping with split households. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on this conflict works effectively is debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by its screenwriters and under the guidance of director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the complexity are modest. The narrative unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will surely rediscover the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – featuring a group of comedic actors – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – think flurries surrounding lush pines as a warm climate stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these predictable parts coalesce into a pleasant experience rests upon the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who scroll endlessly for pet content. Audiences receive a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and silly gags, not quite landing any one mode. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is fully game the absurd and awkward required by the unusual premise. He brings a endearing lack of ego that provides much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. The character can feel a little too aloof, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Gus the Dog is convincing at acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)
The story strives to give weight to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, since the dog is easily the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The reason for their original breakup might seem more adult and realistic with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise has potential – but it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video on December 10th.
