It is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a canine companion after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations impede ex-partners from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and prove frustrating across the board. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to become depressed.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, consider recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to split households. The idea of basing a full holiday film on this conflict works effectively seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. It functions as a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the depth remains surface-level. The plot proves to be straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – think obvious snow effects piled on green trees as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
How these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness is not earned for the romantic plot. Its style vacillates between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny required by the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a charming humility that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a little too aloof, especially when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, the canine performer succeeds in flopping and whining – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a very good boy.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, given that the title character is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their separation could have been more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – but it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
