This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a dog post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such setups prevent individuals from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and prove frustrating across the board. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.
While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look a past film. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adapting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom on this conflict is sustainable is rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will presumably realize the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – think obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as a summer location substitutes for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these standard ingredients merge into something enjoyable hinges on the execution and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise is not earned for the human side of the story. The film's approach vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, failing to master any one mode. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward inherent in the bizarre setting. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, the canine performer succeeds in flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, given that the title character is by far the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation might seem more adult and realistic with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict is not terrible – even if it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Prime Video on December 10th.
