It is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a pet after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such setups hinder former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying for everyone involved. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – countless people observe their deep emotional capacity. To witness a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix played by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on this conflict holds water remains debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the depth are modest. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – as seen in flurries surrounding green trees as a summer location stands in for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
How these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. He brings a endearing lack of ego that provides much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages looking despondent – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, given that Merv is by far the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more adult and realistic with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict is not terrible – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
