This is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a canine companion after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements hinder individuals from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners speak of their deep emotional capacity. To witness a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, consider another performance. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on such a setup works effectively seems a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than its premise. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the complexity remains surface-level. The narrative unfolds as simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – including a group of comedic actors – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – exemplified by obvious snow effects piled on green trees as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
How these predictable parts coalesce into an entertaining watch hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the dog, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, pet moping, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a touch too detached, particularly when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, the canine performer is convincing at flopping and whining – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to add substance to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, given that the dog is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their original breakup might seem more grounded and mature with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video on December 10th.
