This is a widely held belief for numerous people that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such setups hinder individuals from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and become annoying for everyone involved. Seemingly, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to feel down.
While respecting the mental health of our pets – many owners observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, consider recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on this conflict holds water is rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, never aspires to be deeper than what it is. It functions as a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – think obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as a summer location doubles as the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these familiar elements come together into something enjoyable rests upon the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the canine star, and while this leads to some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success cannot be applied for the human side of the story. Its style vacillates between serious study, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, failing to master a single genre. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is fully game the absurd and awkward demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, particularly when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)
Merv tries to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, given that Merv is by far the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more nuanced with more screen time and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – but it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.
