This is a widely held belief in certain circles that sharing custody a pet following a split is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations prevent former couples from healing, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and are a nuisance across the board. Seemingly, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.
Without minimizing the mental health of dogs – many owners speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look a past film. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adapting to split households. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance around this situation is sustainable is rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than what it is. This is a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions remains surface-level. The narrative unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – featuring a group of comedic actors – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – as seen in flurries surrounding verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
If these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience depends on the strength of the performances and one's taste for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on walking sequences, pet moping, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness does not extend for the romantic plot. The tone vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master a single genre. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward inherent in the unusual premise. He brings a charming humility that offers much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself manages acting depressed – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering the dog is by far the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their separation might seem more grounded and mature with less exposition and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict is not terrible – even if it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.
