It is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog following a split is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such situations prevent individuals from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and become annoying across the board. As it turns out, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to become depressed.
While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – many owners speak of their deep emotional capacity. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, one need only look recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to split households. The idea of basing a full holiday film on such a setup holds water is a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than what it is. This is a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. The plot unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will presumably realize the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – as seen in fake snow clinging to green trees as a summer location doubles as a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the humiliating and funny demanded of the bizarre setting. His performance contains a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal seems a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, the canine performer is convincing at acting depressed – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The story strives to provide depth to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, since the dog is by far the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their separation could have been more nuanced with less exposition and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – though it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
