It is a widely held belief in certain circles that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such situations hinder former couples from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and become annoying for all parties. Apparently, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the inner life of our pets – many owners attest to their remarkable empathy. For a standout portrayal in pet despair, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with split households. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation works effectively seems rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than a light film. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the complexity are modest. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – 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 obviously artificial – as seen in flurries surrounding green trees as North Carolina stands in for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
If these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch depends on the execution and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some awkward editing between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The tone shifts uneasily between relationship drama, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, failing to master a single genre. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward inherent in the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that offers much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. The character seems a little too aloof, particularly when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Gus the Dog succeeds in flopping and whining – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, considering the dog is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The cause for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling every expected note. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – though it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.
