It is a common warning among many that sharing custody a dog after a breakup is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such setups prevent individuals from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – pet parents speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall another performance. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adapting to split households. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable remains a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the complexity remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – as seen in flurries surrounding lush pines as a summer location substitutes for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these familiar elements coalesce into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – those people who scroll endlessly for pet content. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is Merv himself, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie does offer walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
The same praise is not earned for the human side of the story. The film's approach vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, failing to master a single genre. This is not Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the unusual premise. His performance contains a charming humility that offers much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, 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, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, the canine performer manages flopping and whining – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a very good boy.)
The story strives to add substance to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, since the dog is easily the best part of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for the split might seem more nuanced with more screen time and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – even if it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video this December.
