It is a widely held belief for numerous people that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such situations impede individuals from healing, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to feel down.
Without minimizing the inner life of animals – many owners speak of their deep emotional capacity. To witness a masterclass in pet despair, simply recall a past film. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adapting to life in two homes. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on this conflict holds water is a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than its premise. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the depth is limited. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – think obvious snow effects clinging to green trees as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience hinges on the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for dog videos. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and while this leads to some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe inherent in the unusual premise. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, since the dog is easily the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their original breakup might seem more adult and realistic with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting has potential – even if it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
