It is a widely held belief for numerous people that sharing custody a dog post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements impede former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Without minimizing the mental health of dogs – many owners attest to their deep emotional capacity. For a standout portrayal in pet despair, one need only look recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult coping with divided living arrangements. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than its premise. This is a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the ambitions is limited. The plot proves to be straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – think flurries surrounding green trees as North Carolina doubles as the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
If these predictable parts coalesce into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for dog videos. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and even if it causes some awkward editing between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The tone wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, not quite landing a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that provides much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering the title character is easily the cutest element of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The cause for the split could have been more grounded and mature with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting every expected note. Creating a movie with this canine conflict has potential – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video this December.
