This is a widely held belief in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups impede individuals from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. As it turns out, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to become depressed.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people observe their deep emotional capacity. If you need standout portrayal in pet despair, consider recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively is rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by its screenwriters and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. It functions as a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions are modest. The narrative unfolds as straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – as seen in obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as North Carolina substitutes for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these standard ingredients come together into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for pet content. The film delivers a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, pet moping, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the humiliating and funny required by the unusual premise. He brings a charming humility that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. The character can feel a bit too dry, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The story strives to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, considering Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The cause for their separation might seem more nuanced with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – though I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.
