It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion following a split is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such setups hinder former couples from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners speak of their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to split households. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable remains rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. We have here a holiday release from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will surely realize the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in flurries surrounding lush pines as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
How these predictable parts merge into something enjoyable rests upon the execution and one's taste for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who browse regularly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the canine star, and while this leads to some stilted moments between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie does offer dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success does not extend for the human side of the story. The tone shifts uneasily between relationship drama, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. The character can feel a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog manages acting depressed – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is easily the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
