This is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion following a split is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such situations prevent individuals from healing, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and become annoying for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the mental health of our pets – pet parents attest to their profound sensitivity. To witness a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation holds water is debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and under the guidance of director Swale, never aspires to be deeper than its premise. It functions as a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the complexity are modest. The narrative proves to be simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – think flurries clinging to verdant foliage as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
If these familiar elements merge into an entertaining watch rests upon the execution and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie does offer canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, failing to master any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the humiliating and funny 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. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal can feel a bit too dry, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Gus the Dog manages flopping and whining – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, considering Merv is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The reason for the split would feel more adult and realistic with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Making a film on this shared-custody premise has potential – even if it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
