This is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog following a split is a terrible idea. Most will argue such situations prevent former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Seemingly, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to become depressed.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of animals – many owners observe their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in pet despair, one need only look recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adapting to life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict works effectively is rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by its screenwriters and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. The plot is destined to be simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – think obvious snow effects piled on lush pines as a summer location substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
How these familiar elements come together into something enjoyable depends on the strength of the performances and one's taste for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. It provides a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is Merv himself, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the romantic plot. Its style wavers between emotional depth, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and silly gags, not quite landing a single genre. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a charming humility that provides much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since the title character is undoubtedly the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split could have been more grounded and mature with more screen time and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – even if it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.