This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that co-parenting a pet following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such situations hinder ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and become annoying for all parties. Apparently, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the inner life of animals – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, consider recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult coping with split households. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation works effectively seems debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than what it is. It functions as a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity remains surface-level. The narrative proves to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – including familiar faces – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – think obvious snow effects clinging to green trees as North Carolina stands in for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
How these predictable parts coalesce into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for pet content. The film delivers a plethora of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, dog depression, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between emotional depth, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, failing to master any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a endearing lack of ego that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal seems a touch too detached, notably when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, the canine performer is convincing at looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering the title character is easily the best part of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their original breakup could have been more nuanced with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise has potential – even if it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
