This is a widely held belief among many that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such arrangements impede former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the inner life of animals – countless people observe their deep emotional capacity. For a standout portrayal in pet despair, one need only look recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with split households. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable seems debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, written by its screenwriters and helmed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than a light film. We have here a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will presumably realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to green trees as a warm climate stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these standard ingredients come together into an entertaining watch hinges on the strength of the performances and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach vacillates between serious study, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a little too aloof, notably when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, the canine performer manages looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)
Merv tries to add substance to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, since Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation would feel more adult and realistic with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – but I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
