This is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such arrangements hinder individuals from healing, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, as a development suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – countless people speak of their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in canine melancholy, consider another performance. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film on such a setup holds water is rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, written by its screenwriters and helmed by director Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than its premise. It functions as a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions remains surface-level. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – played by familiar faces – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – think fake snow surrounding green trees as North Carolina stands in for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these standard ingredients come together into a pleasant experience hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – the kind who browse regularly for pet content. It provides a plethora of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, dog depression, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Human Element
This level of success does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, not quite landing a consistent feel. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is fully game the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna can feel a little too aloof, notably when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages acting depressed – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The story strives to add substance to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, since the dog is easily the cutest element of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, meeting every expected note. Creating a movie with this canine conflict has potential – but I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
