It is a widely held belief for numerous people that sharing custody a pet after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such arrangements impede former couples from moving forward, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and become annoying for all parties. As it turns out, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
While respecting the inner life of animals – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. If you need prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by Gus the Dog, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation holds water seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
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 holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity are modest. The plot proves to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Side characters – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – think fake snow surrounding verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these standard ingredients come together into a pleasant experience depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – those people who seek out for cute animal clips. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style vacillates between serious study, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and physical comedy, failing to master any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is fully game the humiliating and funny inherent in the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a bit too dry, notably when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, the canine performer succeeds in acting depressed – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The story strives to provide depth to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, considering the title character is undoubtedly the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their separation might seem more grounded and mature with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting every expected note. Making a film with this canine conflict is not terrible – but I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
