It is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a canine companion following a split is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such situations impede former couples from finding closure, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and become annoying for all parties. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.
While respecting the inner life of our pets – pet parents attest to their deep emotional capacity. To witness a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, consider recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a full holiday film on such a setup holds water is rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and directed by director Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than its premise. We have here a holiday release from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic has the quality of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in flurries clinging to lush pines as a summer location doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
How these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience rests upon the actors' work and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success is not earned for the human side of the story. Its style vacillates between serious study, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna comes across as a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Gus the Dog succeeds in flopping and whining – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The film attempts to give weight to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is by far the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation would feel more adult and realistic with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
