This is a common warning among many that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is ill-advised. Most will argue such arrangements hinder individuals from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – pet parents attest to their deep emotional capacity. To witness a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adjusting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on this conflict works effectively remains rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of director Swale, never aspires to be more profound than a light film. It functions as a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the complexity are modest. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Side characters – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – as seen in flurries clinging to green trees as a summer location substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these standard ingredients come together into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and one's taste for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who browse regularly for pet content. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between emotional depth, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and physical comedy, not quite landing any one mode. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny required by the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a little too aloof, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at acting depressed – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split might seem more adult and realistic with less exposition and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – but I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video this December.
