It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that sharing custody a canine companion following a split is a terrible idea. Most will argue such situations prevent individuals from healing, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Seemingly, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the inner life of our pets – pet parents attest to their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in pet despair, one need only look a past film. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on such a setup works effectively remains a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than what it is. This is a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as the usual assortment of types. Visually has the quality of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as North Carolina substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
If these familiar elements coalesce into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who scroll endlessly for pet content. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and even if it causes some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between emotional depth, broad humor, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is fully game the humiliating and funny required by the bizarre setting. He brings a likable self-deprecation that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. The character seems a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, considering Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting every expected note. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – but I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
