It is a widely held belief for numerous people that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such situations prevent former couples from moving forward, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.
While respecting the mental health of our pets – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. If you need standout portrayal in pet despair, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to split households. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on this conflict is sustainable remains rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by director Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than its premise. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – think obvious snow effects clinging to green trees as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements coalesce into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for dog videos. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between serious study, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and silly gags, not quite landing a single genre. This is not Cox's performance, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the unusual premise. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog succeeds in acting depressed – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)
Merv tries to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – even if I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
