This is a widely held belief in certain circles that sharing custody a dog after a breakup is ill-advised. Most will argue such arrangements prevent former couples from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating across the board. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – countless people speak of their remarkable empathy. If you need standout portrayal in pet despair, one need only look a past film. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time coping with divided living arrangements. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on this conflict is sustainable remains debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than a light film. This is a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions is limited. The plot is destined to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – think flurries surrounding lush pines as North Carolina doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these standard ingredients come together into something enjoyable rests upon the execution and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for pet content. It provides a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and people's faces, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny demanded of the bizarre setting. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that supplies much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer manages acting depressed – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, considering Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup might seem more grounded and mature with more screen time and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Making a film with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – though it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video this December.
