It is a widely held belief among many that sharing custody a dog following a split is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such setups impede ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to feel down.
While respecting the mental health of our pets – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in dog sorrow, simply recall a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adapting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively seems debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, written by its screenwriters and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the ambitions are modest. The narrative proves to be straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – exemplified by obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as a warm climate doubles as a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these standard ingredients come together into an entertaining watch rests upon the execution and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the canine star, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success is not earned for the human side of the story. The film's approach vacillates between serious study, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, especially when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Gus the Dog succeeds in looking despondent – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The story strives to add substance to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, given that the dog is undoubtedly the cutest element of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their separation might seem more adult and realistic with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – even if it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform this December.
