This is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a dog post-separation is a terrible idea. Most will argue such setups hinder individuals from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating across the board. Apparently, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to experience sadness.
While respecting the inner life of animals – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. To witness a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adapting to split households. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on this conflict holds water is debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than its premise. This is a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the depth are modest. The plot proves to be straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in flurries clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location substitutes for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these predictable parts coalesce into an entertaining watch hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who seek out for pet content. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie does offer walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success is not earned for the romantic plot. Its style vacillates between serious study, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to a single genre. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny demanded of the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a charming humility that offers much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna can feel a bit too dry, notably when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, the canine performer manages flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, since the title character is easily the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The cause for their separation could have been more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – even if it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
