This is a common warning among many that sharing custody a pet following a split is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements hinder ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying for all parties. As it turns out, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of animals – many owners attest to their remarkable empathy. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, simply recall recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to split households. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on this conflict is sustainable remains a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than a light film. We have here a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will presumably realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – played by a group of comedic actors – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – as seen in flurries piled on lush pines as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
How these predictable parts coalesce into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer dog beach fun, dog depression, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The tone vacillates between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, not quite landing any one mode. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward inherent in the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a bit too dry, particularly when alongside 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 remains a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since the title character is undoubtedly the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their original breakup might seem more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, hitting every expected note. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – but it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.
