It is a widely held belief for numerous people that co-parenting a pet following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such situations impede ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and become annoying for everyone involved. As it turns out, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. If you need standout portrayal in dog sorrow, simply recall recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by Gus the Dog, would struggle adjusting to split households. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation holds water is rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than what it is. It functions as a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the complexity are modest. Its storyline unfolds as straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by flurries surrounding lush pines as North Carolina doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these standard ingredients coalesce into an entertaining watch rests upon the strength of the performances and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for dog videos. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, dog depression, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style wavers between relationship drama, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a endearing lack of ego that supplies much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her Anna can feel a bit too dry, particularly when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, the canine performer succeeds in looking despondent – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for the split might seem more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film with this canine conflict is not terrible – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv streams on Prime Video on December 10th.
