It is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a dog post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such setups impede individuals from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and become annoying for everyone involved. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to become depressed.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, one need only look recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adapting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a full holiday film on this conflict works effectively seems rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than a light film. It functions as a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the complexity remains surface-level. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. The film's look has the quality of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – exemplified by flurries surrounding verdant foliage as North Carolina stands in for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who browse regularly for pet content. Audiences receive a plethora of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success is not earned for the interpersonal drama. Its style shifts uneasily between emotional depth, broad humor, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a touch too detached, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Gus the Dog manages acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is easily the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Making a film on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – even if it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.
