This is a common warning among many that sharing custody a dog after a breakup is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such setups prevent individuals from finding closure, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for all parties. Seemingly, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
While respecting the inner life of dogs – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. If you need prime example in pet despair, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time coping with divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on such a setup works effectively seems debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than what it is. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. The narrative is destined to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects clinging to green trees as North Carolina stands in for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these predictable parts merge into something enjoyable rests upon the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, dog depression, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
The same praise is not earned for the human side of the story. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, failing to master any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is fully game the humiliating and funny inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna comes across as a touch too detached, notably when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, the canine performer succeeds in acting depressed – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a very good boy.)
The film attempts to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is by far the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their separation might seem more adult and realistic with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – but it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.
