This is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such situations impede former couples from healing, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
While respecting the inner life of animals – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with divided living arrangements. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance around this situation holds water seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and helmed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than a light film. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. The narrative proves to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Side characters – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – exemplified by fake snow piled on green trees as North Carolina substitutes for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the canine star, and while this leads to some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, pet moping, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style shifts uneasily between emotional depth, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and physical comedy, not quite landing any one mode. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. The character comes across as a bit too dry, particularly when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, the canine performer is convincing at flopping and whining – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, given that Merv is by far the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The cause for their original breakup could have been more adult and realistic with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.
