It is a widely held belief in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such setups hinder ex-partners from finding closure, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Seemingly, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the inner life of our pets – many owners observe their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in pet despair, simply recall recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adapting to split households. Whether this premise a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable is rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than a light film. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the complexity are modest. The plot proves to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – think flurries clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
How these predictable parts merge into something enjoyable rests upon the actors' work and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for pet content. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is Merv himself, and while this leads to some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny required by the unusual premise. He brings a endearing lack of ego that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a little too aloof, notably when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, the canine performer manages acting depressed – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)
The story strives to give weight to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, considering the dog is easily the cutest element of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The reason for their original breakup might seem more nuanced with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting every expected note. Making a film with this canine conflict is not terrible – but it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
