It is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups prevent individuals from healing, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
While respecting the inner life of our pets – many owners speak of their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would struggle coping with split households. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance around this situation is sustainable remains a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. Its storyline unfolds as straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as a warm climate substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these familiar elements coalesce into an entertaining watch depends on the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who browse regularly for pet content. The film delivers a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some awkward editing between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, pet moping, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style wavers between serious study, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a single genre. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that provides much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, the canine performer manages flopping and whining – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, given that Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for the split could have been more adult and realistic with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video on December 10th.
