It is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements hinder individuals from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and prove frustrating across the board. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to become depressed.
Not to downplay the mental health of animals – pet parents speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, consider recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would struggle adapting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film on this conflict works effectively is rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of director Swale, never aspires to be anything more than a light film. This is a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions remains surface-level. The plot is destined to be simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – played by familiar faces – serve as the usual assortment of types. The film's look has the quality of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding lush pines as North Carolina substitutes for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
If these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience hinges on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a single genre. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the unusual premise. He brings a likable self-deprecation that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. The character can feel a touch too detached, particularly when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, the canine performer succeeds in looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, considering the dog is by far the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The reason for the split might seem more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling every expected note. Creating a movie with this canine conflict is not terrible – though it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
