It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups hinder ex-partners from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and become annoying for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners attest to their remarkable empathy. To witness a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, consider recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation holds water seems debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than a light film. This is a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the depth are modest. The narrative is destined to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will surely realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – played by 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 wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – think obvious snow effects clinging to verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
If these familiar elements merge into something enjoyable hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for dog videos. Audiences receive a plethora of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the canine star, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between emotional depth, broad humor, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, particularly when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog succeeds in flopping and whining – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to give weight to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, considering the title character is easily the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their original breakup would feel more adult and realistic with less exposition and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – though it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.
