It is a widely held belief in certain circles that co-parenting a dog post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such situations prevent ex-partners from finding closure, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for all parties. Seemingly, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to become depressed.
While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – many owners speak of their deep emotional capacity. If you need standout portrayal in dog sorrow, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict holds water remains rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and helmed by director Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – as seen in flurries clinging to green trees as North Carolina doubles as the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
How these familiar elements coalesce into an entertaining watch rests upon the actors' work and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly 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 awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, pet moping, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a single genre. This is not Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny required by the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a touch too detached, particularly when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog succeeds in acting depressed – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a very good boy.)
The film attempts to give weight to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, since the dog is undoubtedly the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation would feel more nuanced with less exposition and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – even if it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.
