This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations hinder ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to become depressed.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of animals – many owners observe their profound sensitivity. If you need prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look a past film. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adjusting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a full holiday film on this conflict works effectively is debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is surpassed 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. Side characters – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve 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 – exemplified by fake snow piled on verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these predictable parts coalesce into an entertaining watch rests upon the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who browse regularly for cute animal clips. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise cannot be applied for the romantic plot. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a single genre. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a charming humility that provides much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a bit too dry, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in flopping and whining – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split might seem more nuanced with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Making a film on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – even if it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
