It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a canine companion following a split is a terrible idea. Most will argue such situations impede individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, one need only look a past film. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to split households. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, written by its screenwriters and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than what it is. This is a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the depth are modest. The plot proves to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will surely realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic has the quality of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – exemplified by flurries surrounding verdant foliage as North Carolina doubles as the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
How these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience hinges on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between emotional depth, broad humor, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, failing to master a consistent feel. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Gus the Dog manages flopping and whining – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The story strives to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is by far the cutest element of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
