This is a widely held belief among many that sharing custody a canine companion following a split is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such setups hinder individuals from healing, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. As it turns out, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.
While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – pet parents speak of their deep emotional capacity. To witness a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog brought to life by Gus the Dog, would struggle adjusting to divided living arrangements. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation is sustainable is debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, written by the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than its premise. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the ambitions is limited. The plot proves to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – featuring familiar faces – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – think flurries clinging to lush pines as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable depends on the execution and one's taste for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a series of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the canine star, and while this leads to some awkward editing between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise cannot be applied for the human side of the story. Its style vacillates between relationship drama, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to any one mode. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a little too aloof, particularly when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since Merv is by far the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with more screen time and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – even if it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
