This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements prevent individuals from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. For a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, consider recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time coping with life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation works effectively seems rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. Its storyline unfolds as straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is matched 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 are better together. Side characters – featuring familiar faces – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – as seen in fake snow clinging to lush pines as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
If these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – those people who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the dog, and while this leads to some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach vacillates between serious study, broad humor, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a single genre. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the absurd and awkward inherent in the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that provides much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, the canine performer is convincing at acting depressed – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is by far the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their separation would feel more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story with this canine conflict is not terrible – even if it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.
