This is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a pet following a split is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such situations prevent former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. If you need standout portrayal in pet despair, simply recall recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation holds water remains a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and directed by director Swale, never aspires to be more profound than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a corporate studio – the complexity are modest. The narrative is destined to be straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – played by a group of comedic actors – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these standard ingredients come together into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who seek out for pet content. It provides a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The tone wavers between emotional depth, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, not quite landing a consistent feel. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna can feel a bit too dry, especially when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog succeeds in flopping and whining – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a very good boy.)
Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, given that the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – though it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
