This is a common warning among many that sharing custody a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements impede individuals from healing, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners attest to their deep emotional capacity. To witness a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, one need only look recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with divided living arrangements. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively remains rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, written by the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, never aspires to be more profound than its premise. This is a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity remains surface-level. The narrative unfolds as uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look has the quality of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – think obvious snow effects clinging to green trees as a summer location doubles as a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – those people who seek out for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, pet moping, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
This level of success cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The tone vacillates between emotional depth, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is fully game the humiliating and funny demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that provides much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a touch too detached, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog succeeds in flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)
The story strives to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering the dog is easily the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – even if I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Prime Video on December 10th.
