It is a widely held belief among many that jointly caring for a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such setups hinder ex-partners from finding closure, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.
While respecting the mental health of animals – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. For a masterclass in dog sorrow, one need only look a past film. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adapting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on this conflict is sustainable remains rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and directed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than its premise. It functions as a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – played by familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries surrounding lush pines as North Carolina stands in for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
How these predictable parts coalesce into something enjoyable hinges on the strength of the performances and one's taste for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – the kind who scroll endlessly for pet content. It provides a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the canine star, and even if it causes some awkward editing between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
This level of success is not earned for the romantic plot. The tone wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to a single genre. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny required by the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that provides much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a touch too detached, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, the canine performer is convincing at acting depressed – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since the dog is by far the best part of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their original breakup would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting is not terrible – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
