This is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and become annoying for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the mental health of dogs – pet parents attest to their remarkable empathy. If you need masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type played 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 is a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth are modest. The narrative proves to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – played by a group of comedic actors – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually has the quality of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – think fake snow piled on green trees as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these familiar elements coalesce into something enjoyable rests upon the actors' work and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who scroll endlessly for pet content. Audiences receive a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie does offer dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success cannot be applied for the human side of the story. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a single genre. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward inherent in the bizarre setting. His performance contains a charming humility that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna seems a bit too dry, particularly when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, the canine performer succeeds in flopping and whining – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their original breakup might seem more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling every expected note. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
