This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations hinder former couples from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – many owners observe their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict holds water is rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth are modest. Its storyline unfolds as straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – think fake snow surrounding lush pines as North Carolina doubles as a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience rests upon the execution and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a plethora of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style vacillates between serious study, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not Charlie Cox, who is fully game the humiliating and funny demanded of the dog resort scenario. He brings a endearing lack of ego that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to add substance to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that the title character is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for the split would feel more adult and realistic with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling every expected note. Crafting a story with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – but it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.
