This is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such arrangements prevent former couples from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and are a nuisance across the board. Seemingly, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.
While respecting the inner life of our pets – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. To witness a prime example in pet despair, one need only look recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adapting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable remains a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, written by its screenwriters and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than its premise. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the ambitions remains surface-level. Its storyline unfolds as simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – as seen in flurries surrounding green trees as a summer location substitutes for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these familiar elements coalesce into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and one's taste for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – individuals who browse regularly for pet content. The film delivers a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is Merv himself, and while this leads to some awkward editing between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The film's approach shifts uneasily between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, failing to master a single genre. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny required by the bizarre setting. He brings a endearing lack of ego that supplies much of the film's charm 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 Anna seems a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, the canine performer is convincing at flopping and whining – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their separation might seem more grounded and mature with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting is not terrible – though it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video this December.
