This is a common warning in certain circles that sharing custody a dog post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups prevent individuals from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.
While respecting the inner life of animals – pet parents attest to their profound sensitivity. To witness a standout portrayal in pet despair, consider recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by Gus the Dog, would struggle adapting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation works effectively remains rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the complexity remains surface-level. Its storyline proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Side characters – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – exemplified by fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as North Carolina doubles as a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these familiar elements coalesce into a pleasant experience hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. The film delivers a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success is not earned for the interpersonal drama. Its style vacillates between emotional depth, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and physical comedy, failing to master any one mode. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is fully game the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a charming humility that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her Anna comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog manages acting depressed – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, since the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The reason for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video on December 10th.
