This is a common warning in certain circles that sharing custody a canine companion following a split is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements prevent ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying for all parties. As it turns out, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.
While respecting the inner life of animals – many owners observe their deep emotional capacity. For a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, one need only look recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film on such a setup is sustainable seems debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, written by the writing duo and directed by director Swale, never aspires to be anything more than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity is limited. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – featuring familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – exemplified by fake snow clinging to green trees as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
If these familiar elements coalesce into an entertaining watch rests upon the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the canine star, and even if it causes some stilted moments between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. The tone wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master a single genre. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna seems a little too aloof, notably when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Merv himself is convincing at acting depressed – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a very good boy.)
Merv tries to add substance to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, given that Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split could have been more adult and realistic with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – even if I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.
