This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion after a breakup is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such setups impede individuals from healing, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.
While respecting the inner life of dogs – pet parents attest to their deep emotional capacity. To witness a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, simply recall recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a full holiday film on this conflict holds water is rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than a light film. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. The narrative is destined to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Side characters – featuring familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. The film's look has the quality of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – exemplified by flurries piled on green trees as North Carolina substitutes for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who seek out for pet content. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness is not earned for the romantic plot. Its style wavers between relationship drama, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the absurd and awkward inherent in the bizarre setting. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that provides much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer is convincing at flopping and whining – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, given that the title character is by far the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The reason for the split could have been more nuanced with less exposition and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Making a film on this shared-custody premise has potential – but I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
