It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that sharing custody a dog post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such setups prevent individuals from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to feel down.
While respecting the mental health of our pets – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water remains debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than a light film. It functions as a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries piled on verdant foliage as North Carolina substitutes for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
How these predictable parts coalesce into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and one's taste for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Human Element
This level of success is not earned for the romantic plot. Its style vacillates between relationship drama, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and silly gags, not quite landing a single genre. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is fully game the humiliating and funny required by the dog resort scenario. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal seems a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer succeeds in looking despondent – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a very good boy.)
The story strives to provide depth to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is by far the best part of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict is not terrible – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Prime Video on December 10th.
