This is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a dog following a split is a terrible idea. Most will argue such setups impede individuals from moving forward, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and become annoying for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.
While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people observe their deep emotional capacity. For a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, one need only look another performance. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance around this situation is sustainable seems debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the complexity remains surface-level. The narrative proves to be straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including familiar faces – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – think obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as a warm climate stands in for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these predictable parts coalesce into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and one's taste for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for pet content. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction 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, canine sorrow, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach vacillates between emotional depth, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and physical comedy, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny required by the dog resort scenario. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. The character seems a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, the canine performer succeeds in looking despondent – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to give weight to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, since the dog is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The reason for the split could have been more grounded and mature with more screen time and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
