This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a canine companion following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Seemingly, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to become depressed.
Not to downplay the inner life of animals – countless people attest to their remarkable empathy. If you need prime example in canine melancholy, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time coping with split households. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable remains rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than a light film. This is a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the ambitions is limited. The narrative is destined to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as the usual assortment of types. The film's look has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the strength of the performances and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who scroll endlessly for dog videos. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie does offer dog beach fun, pet moping, and, in the end, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness does not extend for the human side of the story. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is fully game the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. He brings a likable self-deprecation that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna seems a bit too dry, especially when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself is convincing at flopping and whining – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering the title character is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their separation might seem more grounded and mature with less exposition and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Making a film with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – but it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.
