This is a widely held belief among many that sharing custody a canine companion following a split is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such setups impede ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a standout portrayal in pet despair, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time coping with split households. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively seems a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and under the guidance of director Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than its premise. It functions as a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth are modest. The narrative unfolds as straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow piled on lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
How these standard ingredients come together into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and an acceptance of comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the canine star, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie does offer dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style vacillates between relationship drama, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and physical comedy, not quite landing any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a bit too dry, notably when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages acting depressed – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The story strives to add substance to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, since Merv is easily the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The reason for their original breakup would feel more adult and realistic with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling every expected note. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting is not terrible – though it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
