This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a pet following a split is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such arrangements prevent ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for all parties. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to become depressed.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of dogs – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in dog sorrow, consider another performance. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on such a setup holds water seems rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, written by the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than its premise. This is a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. The narrative is destined to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to green trees as North Carolina stands in for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
How these familiar elements merge into an entertaining watch rests upon the actors' work and an acceptance of comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some clunky cuts between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The film's approach vacillates between emotional depth, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a single genre. This is not Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. He brings a endearing lack of ego that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her Anna can feel a little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog is convincing at acting depressed – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, since the dog is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation might seem more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting every expected note. Making a film with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – even if it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
