It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a canine companion following a split is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such setups prevent ex-partners from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for all parties. Seemingly, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to feel down.
While respecting the mental health of animals – many owners attest to their deep emotional capacity. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by the canine actor Gus, would struggle coping with divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a full holiday film on such a setup holds water seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. This is a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline unfolds as straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – including familiar faces – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – think obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as North Carolina substitutes for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
If these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable depends on the actors' work and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who scroll endlessly for dog videos. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a single genre. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the unusual premise. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering the dog is easily the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – though it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video this December.
