This is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a canine companion after a breakup is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements hinder individuals from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and become annoying for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to experience sadness.
While respecting the inner life of dogs – pet parents observe their deep emotional capacity. If you need prime example in pet despair, consider a past film. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would struggle adapting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation works effectively seems debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and under the guidance of director Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the complexity remains surface-level. The plot unfolds as straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – including familiar faces – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in fake snow clinging to lush pines as North Carolina substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
If these familiar elements coalesce into a pleasant experience hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who browse regularly for cute animal clips. It provides a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. Its style shifts uneasily between emotional depth, broad humor, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe inherent in the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that provides much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, notably when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, the canine performer is convincing at acting depressed – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to give weight to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering the title character is by far the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for the split would feel more grounded and mature with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – though it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.
