This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that jointly caring for a canine companion following a split is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements impede ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. As it turns out, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners speak of their profound sensitivity. If you need prime example in pet despair, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on such a setup holds water seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of director Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. This is a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the complexity are modest. Its storyline proves to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually carries the feel of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
If these predictable parts coalesce into a pleasant experience rests upon the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – those people who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the dog, and while this leads to some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the human side of the story. Its style vacillates between serious study, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is fully game the humiliating and funny demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her Anna comes across as a touch too detached, notably when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, the canine performer manages looking despondent – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that the title character is easily the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their original breakup might seem more adult and realistic with more screen time and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – but it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
