It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that co-parenting a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups hinder former couples from healing, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, as a development suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to become depressed.
While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – many owners speak of their profound sensitivity. If you need standout portrayal in dog sorrow, simply recall a past film. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable remains debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by director Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than its premise. This is a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. Its storyline proves to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – including familiar faces – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually carries the feel of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – exemplified by fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as North Carolina stands in for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
If these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the canine star, and while this leads to some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, pet moping, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, failing to master a consistent feel. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the absurd and awkward required by the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. The character seems a touch too detached, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages acting depressed – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is by far the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – but it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.
