It is a widely held belief for numerous people that sharing custody a pet following a split is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such setups prevent ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and become annoying for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of animals – countless people speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, consider another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on such a setup is sustainable remains debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of director Swale, never aspires to be anything more than its premise. It functions as a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. Its storyline proves to be straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is rivaled only 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 – played by a group of comedic actors – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – exemplified by flurries surrounding verdant foliage as North Carolina stands in for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the canine star, and even if it causes some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a endearing lack of ego that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a touch too detached, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The story strives to give weight to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, since Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their separation could have been more nuanced with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – though it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video this December.
