This is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet following a split is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such setups hinder individuals from healing, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying for all parties. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of dogs – many owners observe their profound sensitivity. If you need standout portrayal in canine melancholy, one need only look recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to split households. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation works effectively seems rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than a light film. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the complexity are modest. Its storyline unfolds as straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by familiar faces – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – exemplified by fake snow piled on lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these predictable parts coalesce into a pleasant experience rests upon the execution and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who browse regularly for cute animal clips. It provides a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Human Element
This level of success cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, not quite landing a consistent feel. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is fully game the silliness and cringe inherent in the unusual premise. He brings a charming humility that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her Anna comes across as a bit too dry, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, the canine performer manages acting depressed – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a very good boy.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, considering the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split would feel more nuanced with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting is not terrible – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video this December.
