It is a widely held belief for numerous people that sharing custody a canine companion following a split is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations hinder ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying for all parties. Apparently, as a development suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to feel down.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents observe their deep emotional capacity. To witness a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adapting to split households. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on this conflict is sustainable remains a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, written by its screenwriters and helmed by director Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity remains surface-level. The plot proves to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – featuring a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – think fake snow piled on green trees as North Carolina substitutes for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these familiar elements come together into something enjoyable 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 pet content. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success cannot be applied for the human side of the story. Its style shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the dog resort scenario. He brings a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. The character can feel a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, given that the dog is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict is not terrible – but I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video this December.
