This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that jointly caring for a canine companion following a split is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such arrangements prevent ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. As it turns out, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to feel down.
Without minimizing the inner life of animals – many owners speak of their remarkable empathy. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, consider recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on such a setup holds water is a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will surely realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including a group of comedic actors – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by fake snow surrounding lush pines as a summer location substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
How these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable depends on the strength of the performances and one's taste for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and while this leads to some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. The tone wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny required by the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. The character can feel a bit too dry, especially when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog succeeds in acting depressed – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, considering the title character is by far the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, hitting all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict is not terrible – even if it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Prime Video this December.
