This is a widely held belief for numerous people that co-parenting a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such setups impede ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating across the board. Apparently, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the inner life of our pets – countless people speak of their remarkable empathy. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on this conflict holds water is a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by director Swale, never aspires to be more profound than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (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 dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including a group of comedic actors – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – think fake snow clinging to green trees as a warm climate stands in for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
If these familiar elements coalesce into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who browse regularly for pet content. Audiences receive a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to a single genre. This is not Cox's performance, who is fully game the absurd and awkward required by the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. The character seems a bit too dry, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Gus the Dog succeeds in looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, given that the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their separation would feel more nuanced with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict is not terrible – but it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
