It is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a pet post-separation is a terrible idea. Most will argue such situations hinder individuals from healing, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for all parties. Apparently, as a development suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – many owners observe their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look a past film. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a full holiday film on such a setup is sustainable seems rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, the work of the writing duo and under the guidance of director Swale, never aspires to be anything more than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. The plot is destined to be simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will presumably realize the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – played by a group of comedic actors – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – think obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as a summer location substitutes for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
If these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience rests upon the actors' work and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for cute animal clips. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is Merv himself, and while this leads to some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, pet moping, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between serious study, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna comes across as a bit too dry, especially when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer is convincing at looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, given that Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting every expected note. Creating a movie with this canine conflict has potential – even if it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video this December.
