It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that co-parenting a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements impede former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for all parties. As it turns out, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a standout portrayal in pet despair, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a full holiday film on such a setup holds water remains debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than its premise. It functions as a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline unfolds as simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – exemplified by obvious snow effects piled on lush pines as a summer location substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
How these familiar elements merge into an entertaining watch rests upon the execution and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who scroll endlessly for dog videos. The film delivers a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and human reaction, the movie does offer dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. Its style vacillates between emotional depth, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, not quite landing a consistent feel. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward inherent in the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a touch too detached, particularly when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages acting depressed – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, considering the title character is easily the most adorable aspect 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 more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Making a film on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
