This is a widely held belief for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog following a split is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Without minimizing the inner life of dogs – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, consider recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adapting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict works effectively remains debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the ambitions is limited. The narrative proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will presumably realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by familiar faces – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – as seen in flurries piled on verdant foliage as a warm climate stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience depends on the actors' work and one's taste for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – those people who seek out for pet content. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some stilted moments between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise is not earned for the human side of the story. The film's approach vacillates between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. He brings a likable self-deprecation that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a bit too dry, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a very good boy.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, since the title character is by far the cutest element of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for the split could have been more nuanced with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – even if it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
