It is a widely held belief among many that sharing custody a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements hinder ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the inner life of animals – countless people observe their remarkable empathy. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, one need only look a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time coping with life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation holds water seems rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions is limited. The narrative unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – think flurries clinging to lush pines as a summer location doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience rests upon the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who browse regularly for pet content. Audiences receive a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, dog depression, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style shifts uneasily between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not Cox's performance, who is fully game the silliness and cringe required by the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her Anna can feel a bit too dry, particularly when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, considering the title character is by far the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their original breakup could have been more adult and realistic with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – but it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Prime Video on December 10th.
