It is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a pet after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such arrangements impede former couples from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for all parties. As it turns out, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of our pets – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. If you need standout portrayal in dog sorrow, one need only look a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adapting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than its premise. We have here a holiday release from a corporate studio – the ambitions are modest. The plot is destined to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – featuring familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in obvious snow effects piled on lush pines as a summer location stands in for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements merge into something enjoyable depends on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for dog videos. It provides a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie does offer canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach vacillates between serious study, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, not quite landing any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. The character comes across as a bit too dry, particularly when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Merv himself manages acting depressed – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to add substance to the central romance for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, considering the dog is undoubtedly the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their original breakup could have been more grounded and mature with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie with this canine conflict has potential – but it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform this December.
