It is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations impede ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and become annoying for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to become depressed.
While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people speak of their deep emotional capacity. To witness a masterclass in pet despair, consider recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adapting to split households. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively is a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and under the guidance of director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. It functions as a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the complexity are modest. The narrative is destined to be straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – played by a group of comedic actors – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – as seen in flurries clinging to green trees as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these predictable parts coalesce into an entertaining watch rests upon the execution and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the canine star, and while this leads to some stilted moments between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The tone vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. He brings a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, particularly when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a very good boy.)
Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, given that Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their separation might seem more nuanced with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.
