This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements prevent ex-partners from finding closure, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to feel down.
Without minimizing the mental health of animals – pet parents speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in pet despair, one need only look another performance. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation works effectively seems rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the complexity are modest. The plot unfolds as straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – including familiar faces – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
How these predictable parts coalesce into something enjoyable rests upon the strength of the performances and one's taste for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – those people who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the dog, and while this leads to some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success does not extend for the human side of the story. The tone wavers between relationship drama, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a single genre. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. He brings a endearing lack of ego that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. The character seems a touch too detached, especially when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, the canine performer is convincing at looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, since the title character is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their separation might seem more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – but I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
