This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such setups prevent individuals from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. As it turns out, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. For a masterclass in dog sorrow, one need only look a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would struggle adapting to split households. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable remains rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, written by the writing duo and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth are modest. The plot unfolds as uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – think fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as North Carolina doubles as a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these standard ingredients come together into a pleasant experience rests upon the strength of the performances and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for pet content. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is Merv himself, and even if it causes some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, pet moping, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a single genre. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is fully game the absurd and awkward required by the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, particularly when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains an excellent dog.)
The story strives to add substance to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, considering the dog is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting has potential – but it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform this December.
