This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups prevent ex-partners from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to become depressed.
While respecting the inner life of animals – pet parents speak of their deep emotional capacity. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, consider another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by Gus the Dog, would struggle coping with split households. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on such a setup works effectively seems rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. It functions as a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the depth is limited. The narrative proves to be simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – serve as the usual assortment of types. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in obvious snow effects clinging to green trees as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
If these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, dog depression, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the humiliating and funny inherent in the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a bit too dry, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, the canine performer succeeds in acting depressed – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)
The story strives to give weight to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, since the dog is by far the cutest element of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split would feel more grounded and mature with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting is not terrible – though it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
