It is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a canine companion following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements hinder former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for all parties. As it turns out, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. If you need standout portrayal in pet despair, consider another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would struggle coping with split households. The idea of basing a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable is debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth remains surface-level. Its storyline proves to be straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as the usual assortment of types. The film's look has the quality of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – exemplified by fake snow piled on lush pines as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch rests upon the strength of the performances and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, pet moping, and, in the end, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise is not earned for the romantic plot. The tone wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a single genre. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is fully game the humiliating and funny inherent in the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a touch too detached, particularly when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, the canine performer manages acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)
Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering the title character is easily the best part of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their original breakup might seem more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting is not terrible – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
