This is a widely held belief in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such situations impede former couples from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and become annoying for all parties. Seemingly, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the mental health of dogs – many owners speak of their deep emotional capacity. If you need prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult coping with split households. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on this conflict is sustainable remains rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, written by its screenwriters and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. Its storyline unfolds as simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – serve as the usual assortment of types. The film's look has the quality of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in flurries clinging to green trees as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who scroll endlessly for pet content. Audiences receive a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise is not earned for the romantic plot. The tone shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, failing to master a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny required by the dog resort scenario. He brings a endearing lack of ego that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. The character comes across as a bit too dry, notably when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself is convincing at flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split could have been more grounded and mature with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, hitting every expected note. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – but it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
