This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. Most will argue such setups impede individuals from healing, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.
Without minimizing the mental health of animals – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in canine melancholy, consider another performance. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation holds water remains debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, written by its screenwriters and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
How these standard ingredients coalesce into an entertaining watch rests upon the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for pet content. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The central draw is Merv himself, and even if it causes some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, pet moping, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The tone vacillates between relationship drama, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a single genre. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is fully game the humiliating and funny demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Gus the Dog is convincing at acting depressed – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to add substance to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, given that Merv is easily the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The cause for the split might seem more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – though it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.
