It is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. Most will argue such situations prevent individuals from healing, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and prove frustrating across the board. As it turns out, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.
While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – many owners speak of their remarkable empathy. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time coping with life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable remains debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by director Swale, never aspires to be anything more than its premise. It functions as a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will surely realize the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – including familiar faces – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look has the quality of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow surrounding green trees as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
How these predictable parts coalesce into a pleasant experience depends on the actors' work and an acceptance of easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – those people who browse regularly for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and while this leads to some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, pet moping, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that provides much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, the canine performer manages looking despondent – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a very good boy.)
Merv tries to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, given that Merv is undoubtedly the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for the split could have been more grounded and mature with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – even if it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform this December.
