It is a widely held belief in certain circles that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations prevent ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying for all parties. As it turns out, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.
While respecting the inner life of our pets – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in pet despair, one need only look another performance. It seems certain 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 coping with life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film on such a setup works effectively remains debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by director Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than a light film. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. The narrative unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – including a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Visually has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – think fake snow surrounding lush pines as a summer location substitutes for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
How these familiar elements coalesce into a pleasant experience depends on the strength of the performances and one's taste for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who browse regularly for pet content. It provides a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and while this leads to some stilted moments between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The tone wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, not quite landing a consistent feel. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. The character comes across as a touch too detached, notably when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, the canine performer succeeds in flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)
Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict is not terrible – but it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video this December.
