It is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements prevent ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. As it turns out, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the inner life of our pets – countless people speak of their remarkable empathy. For a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation works effectively seems rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth is limited. The narrative proves to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – featuring familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually has the quality of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – as seen in flurries piled on verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these standard ingredients merge into something enjoyable depends on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who browse regularly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness does not extend for the interpersonal drama. Its style vacillates between emotional depth, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and silly gags, not quite landing a consistent feel. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward inherent in the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna can feel a little too aloof, especially when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, the canine performer is convincing at acting depressed – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a very good boy.)
Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since Merv is by far the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their separation might seem more adult and realistic with less exposition and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film with this canine conflict is not terrible – but it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
