It is a common warning in certain circles that sharing custody a dog following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements prevent individuals from finding closure, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating across the board. Seemingly, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to become depressed.
While respecting the mental health of animals – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time coping with split households. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on such a setup works effectively seems rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and under the guidance of director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than its premise. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the depth are modest. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will surely realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – played by a group of comedic actors – serve as the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by fake snow surrounding green trees as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these standard ingredients come together into something enjoyable rests upon the execution and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. It provides a series of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, pet moping, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. Its style shifts uneasily between emotional depth, broad humor, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master a single genre. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a little too aloof, especially when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, the canine performer manages acting depressed – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, since Merv is easily the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The cause for the split would feel more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – but I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video this December.
