This is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups hinder individuals from finding closure, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for all parties. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – many owners observe their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict works effectively is debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and under the guidance of director Swale, never aspires to be anything more than a light film. This is a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions remains surface-level. The plot is destined to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will surely rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – played by a group of comedic actors – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look has the quality of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – as seen in fake snow surrounding lush pines as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
How these familiar elements merge into something enjoyable rests upon the actors' work and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the canine star, and while this leads to some stilted moments between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The tone shifts uneasily between serious study, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and silly gags, not quite landing a consistent feel. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that provides much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal seems a touch too detached, notably when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, the canine performer succeeds in flopping and whining – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a very good boy.)
The story strives to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since the title character is easily the best part of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their separation might seem more grounded and mature with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – though I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
