It is a common warning among many that sharing custody a pet post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements prevent ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.
While respecting the inner life of dogs – many owners observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adapting to split households. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict holds water is debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline proves to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – including familiar faces – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – as seen in flurries piled on lush pines as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these standard ingredients coalesce into a pleasant experience rests upon the actors' work and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny required by the unusual premise. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, particularly when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, the canine performer is convincing at looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, given that the title character is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their separation might seem more adult and realistic with more screen time and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting every expected note. Creating a movie with this canine conflict has potential – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video this December.
