This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that sharing custody a dog after a breakup is ill-advised. Most will argue such setups impede individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance across the board. As it turns out, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to feel down.
While respecting the mental health of animals – many owners observe their deep emotional capacity. For a prime example in dog sorrow, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance around this situation is sustainable seems debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth is limited. The narrative is destined to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including familiar faces – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look is reminiscent of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – think fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who scroll endlessly for dog videos. It provides a plethora of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success does not extend for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between emotional depth, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and physical comedy, failing to master a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe inherent in the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a charming humility that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna comes across as a touch too detached, notably when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The story strives to provide depth to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, considering Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
