It is a common warning in certain circles that sharing custody a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such setups prevent individuals from finding closure, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating across the board. Seemingly, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
Without minimizing the mental health of dogs – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would struggle coping with split households. Whether this premise a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable seems debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these standard ingredients coalesce into an entertaining watch rests upon the execution and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. The film's approach shifts uneasily between relationship drama, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the unusual premise. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to add substance to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, since the dog is by far the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their separation would feel more adult and realistic with less exposition and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting is not terrible – though it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
