It is a widely held belief in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements hinder individuals from moving forward, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the mental health of dogs – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adapting to divided living arrangements. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on such a setup works effectively remains a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, written by its screenwriters and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. It functions as a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Side characters – played by familiar faces – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – as seen in fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these familiar elements come together into something enjoyable rests upon the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who scroll endlessly for pet content. Audiences receive a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie does offer dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise cannot be applied for the romantic plot. Its style vacillates between serious study, broad humor, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master a single genre. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna seems a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, the canine performer is convincing at flopping and whining – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a very good boy.)
The film attempts to add substance to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, since the dog is by far the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The cause for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – though I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.
