It is a widely held belief for numerous people that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – countless people speak of their remarkable empathy. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, consider another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult coping with split households. The idea of basing a full holiday film on such a setup holds water seems debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and directed by director Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than a light film. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the ambitions remains surface-level. The plot unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – featuring a group of comedic actors – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in flurries surrounding green trees as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
If these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie does offer walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. The tone vacillates between relationship drama, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is fully game the absurd and awkward demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna can feel a touch too detached, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, the canine performer is convincing at flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to give weight to the central romance for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, given that the title character is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The reason for their original breakup would feel more grounded and mature with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform this December.
