It is a widely held belief for numerous people that sharing custody a dog post-separation is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such situations hinder ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
Not to downplay the inner life of animals – countless people speak of their remarkable empathy. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, consider recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would struggle coping with divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation works effectively remains rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than its premise. It functions as a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity remains surface-level. The narrative unfolds as uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually has the quality of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – think obvious snow effects surrounding lush pines as North Carolina substitutes for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these standard ingredients merge into something enjoyable depends on the actors' work and one's taste for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the dog resort scenario. He brings a endearing lack of ego that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. The character comes across as a little too aloof, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself is convincing at flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)
The story strives to provide depth to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, since the dog is easily the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation could have been more nuanced with more screen time and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict is not terrible – but it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
