It is a common warning in certain circles that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations impede individuals from healing, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and become annoying across the board. Seemingly, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to become depressed.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – countless people observe their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in pet despair, consider another performance. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a full holiday film on such a setup works effectively remains rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than its premise. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions is limited. The plot unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – think flurries clinging to green trees as a warm climate substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
How these familiar elements come together into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, dog depression, and, in the end, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success is not earned for the romantic plot. The film's approach vacillates between serious study, broad humor, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not Charlie Cox, who is fully game the humiliating and funny required by the dog resort scenario. He brings a charming humility that provides much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna can feel a touch too detached, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is by far the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their original breakup could have been more grounded and mature with less exposition and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – even if I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
