It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that jointly caring for a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups prevent ex-partners from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.
While respecting the inner life of our pets – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in pet despair, one need only look another performance. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to split households. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation holds water is rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and helmed by director Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions is limited. The plot unfolds as uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – featuring familiar faces – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – think obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as North Carolina substitutes for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch depends on the execution and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, pet moping, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. The film's approach vacillates between serious study, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna can feel a touch too detached, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog succeeds in looking despondent – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still an excellent dog.)
The story strives to provide depth to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, since the dog is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film on this shared-custody premise has potential – but it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video this December.
