This is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a dog after a breakup is ill-advised. Most will argue such arrangements hinder former couples from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to become depressed.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – countless people observe their remarkable empathy. To witness a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adapting to split households. The idea of basing a full holiday film on this conflict works effectively remains rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, written by its screenwriters and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth are modest. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – as seen in flurries surrounding verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
If these familiar elements coalesce into something enjoyable hinges on the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the canine star, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny inherent in the dog resort scenario. He brings a endearing lack of ego that supplies much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. The character can feel a touch too detached, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, considering Merv is by far the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation would feel more adult and realistic with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – even if it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
