It is a common warning in certain circles that sharing custody a dog following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups hinder individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying for everyone involved. Seemingly, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – countless people observe their deep emotional capacity. For a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, simply recall recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would struggle adapting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation holds water seems debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of director Swale, never aspires to be deeper than what it is. This is a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in flurries surrounding lush pines as a summer location doubles as a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable rests upon the strength of the performances and one's taste for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – those people who seek out for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, finally, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise is not earned for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe inherent in the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. The character seems a bit too dry, especially when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, the canine performer succeeds in flopping and whining – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since the dog is by far the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The cause for their original breakup could have been more grounded and mature with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
