It is a widely held belief among many that co-parenting a canine companion following a split is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such setups hinder individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to feel down.
While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents speak of their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in pet despair, one need only look recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adapting to life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict works effectively remains debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity are modest. The plot unfolds as straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – featuring a group of comedic actors – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look has the quality of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – think fake snow piled on lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these familiar elements merge into something enjoyable hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, dog depression, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The tone shifts uneasily between emotional depth, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, failing to master any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is fully game the humiliating and funny demanded of the bizarre setting. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna comes across as a bit too dry, notably when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, the canine performer succeeds in acting depressed – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, considering the title character is by far the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for the split would feel more adult and realistic with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting every expected note. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – even if it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
