It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that co-parenting a pet following a split is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations hinder former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying across the board. Seemingly, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to become depressed.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents attest to their deep emotional capacity. For a prime example in dog sorrow, simply recall a past film. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on such a setup is sustainable remains rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than its premise. We have here a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions is limited. The plot proves to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will presumably realize the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – exemplified by fake snow surrounding lush pines as North Carolina substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
How these standard ingredients coalesce into something enjoyable hinges on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who seek out for dog videos. It provides a plethora of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer dog beach fun, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The tone wavers between relationship drama, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master a single genre. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny required by the bizarre setting. He brings a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her Anna comes across as a little too aloof, notably when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
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. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The reason for the split might seem more nuanced with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict is not terrible – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video this December.