It is a widely held belief among many that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations impede individuals from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and become annoying for everyone involved. As it turns out, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, one need only look recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation holds water seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than a light film. This is a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity are modest. The narrative proves to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting 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 undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – including a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – exemplified by fake snow surrounding lush pines as a summer location stands in for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these standard ingredients merge into something enjoyable hinges on the execution and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for cute animal clips. The film delivers a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. Its style vacillates between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is fully game the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna comes across as a touch too detached, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, the canine performer succeeds in flopping and whining – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The cause for their separation could have been more nuanced with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling every expected note. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – even if it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
