This is a common warning among many that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is ill-advised. Most will argue such setups impede individuals from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Seemingly, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.
While respecting the inner life of dogs – pet parents attest to their remarkable empathy. For a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time coping with divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable is debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by its screenwriters and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. It functions as a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions are modest. The narrative proves to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – think flurries surrounding lush pines as North Carolina stands in for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements coalesce into an entertaining watch hinges on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who scroll endlessly for pet content. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie does offer dog beach fun, pet moping, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style wavers between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and silly gags, not quite landing any one mode. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that provides much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself is convincing at looking despondent – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, considering the dog is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more grounded and mature with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting is not terrible – but it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video this December.
