This is a common warning among many that co-parenting a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such situations prevent individuals from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and become annoying for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in pet despair, simply recall another performance. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would struggle adapting to split households. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict holds water is rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and helmed by playwright 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 ambitions is limited. The plot unfolds as uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by familiar faces – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in obvious snow effects clinging to verdant foliage as North Carolina stands in for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
If these standard ingredients come together into a pleasant experience rests upon the actors' work and an acceptance of comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who browse regularly for cute animal clips. It provides a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie does offer canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise is not earned for the human side of the story. Its style shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, failing to master any one mode. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal seems a touch too detached, particularly when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, the canine performer succeeds in looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, considering the title character is easily the best part of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for the split might seem more nuanced with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting all its marks. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise has potential – but it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video this December.
