This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such situations prevent individuals from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – countless people observe their deep emotional capacity. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall another performance. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time coping with life in two homes. If this concept a feature-length romcom on such a setup holds water is a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by its screenwriters and under the guidance of director Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the complexity are modest. The plot is destined to be straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – featuring familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these standard ingredients coalesce into a pleasant experience depends on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the canine star, and while this leads to some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The tone vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. He brings a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna seems a little too aloof, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Merv himself is convincing at looking despondent – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, since the dog is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The cause for their separation would feel more adult and realistic with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting every expected note. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise has potential – but it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform this December.
