This is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is ill-advised. Most will argue such arrangements hinder former couples from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and become annoying for everyone involved. Seemingly, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to become depressed.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners observe their deep emotional capacity. If you need standout portrayal in pet despair, one need only look a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time coping with life in two homes. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on this conflict is sustainable remains rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and under the guidance of director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than its premise. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will surely realize the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects clinging to green trees as a warm climate doubles as a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the dog, and while this leads to some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, in the end, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise is not earned for the romantic plot. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master a single genre. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the absurd and awkward inherent in the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna seems a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in flopping and whining – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to give weight to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for the split might seem more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling every expected note. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – even if it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
