This is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a dog after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements impede former couples from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.
While respecting the mental health of dogs – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time coping with divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a full holiday film on such a setup works effectively seems debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and under the guidance of director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the complexity remains surface-level. The narrative unfolds as uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – think fake snow clinging to lush pines as North Carolina substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for dog videos. It provides a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The tone shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, since Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split might seem more grounded and mature with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – even if it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
