It is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations prevent individuals from moving forward, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and become annoying for all parties. Seemingly, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to become depressed.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners speak of their remarkable empathy. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would struggle coping with divided living arrangements. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on such a setup holds water seems a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, written by its screenwriters and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than what it is. It functions as a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by fake snow clinging to lush pines as a summer location stands in for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who seek out for pet content. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach vacillates between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, not quite landing any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the humiliating and funny required by the unusual premise. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, notably when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself manages looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)
The film attempts to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, considering the dog is easily the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The reason for their original breakup might seem more adult and realistic with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – even if it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
