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. Most will argue such arrangements hinder individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. Seemingly, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to feel down.
Without minimizing the mental health of animals – countless people speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, consider another performance. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to split households. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on this conflict holds water remains a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. It functions as a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline unfolds as simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – as seen in fake snow piled on lush pines as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
If these predictable parts coalesce into something enjoyable rests upon the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of adorable dog montages. The central draw is Merv himself, and even if it causes some awkward editing between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness does not extend for the human side of the story. The tone shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a single genre. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that provides much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a touch too detached, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, the canine performer manages looking despondent – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains an excellent dog.)
The story strives to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, considering Merv is undoubtedly the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their original breakup could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting has potential – though it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.
