It is a widely held belief among many that jointly caring for a pet following a split is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such setups prevent ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to become depressed.
While respecting the mental health of dogs – many owners speak of their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in pet despair, one need only look another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adapting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation holds water remains rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by its screenwriters and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. The narrative proves to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in flurries piled on lush pines as a summer location substitutes for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
How these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch depends on the execution and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – individuals who browse regularly for cute animal clips. It provides a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is Merv himself, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The tone wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. This is not Charlie Cox, who is fully game the humiliating and funny required by the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a charming humility that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, especially when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)
The story strives to provide depth to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, since the dog is by far the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The reason for their original breakup might seem more adult and realistic with less exposition and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise has potential – though I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
