It is a common warning among many that sharing custody a dog after a breakup is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations prevent individuals from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to become depressed.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of animals – countless people speak of their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in canine melancholy, consider another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by Gus the Dog, would struggle adapting to divided living arrangements. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on such a setup holds water is a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. This is a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the complexity remains surface-level. Its storyline unfolds as straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – including familiar faces – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – think flurries piled on lush pines as a summer location substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
How these familiar elements come together into something enjoyable hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for pet content. It provides a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and while this leads to some stilted moments between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style wavers between serious study, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, never fully committing to any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. The character comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Merv himself is convincing at acting depressed – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, considering the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more grounded and mature with less exposition and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.
