This is a widely held belief for numerous people that sharing custody a dog post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements hinder individuals from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance across the board. As it turns out, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. If you need standout portrayal in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom on this conflict holds water seems debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of director Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than its premise. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the complexity are modest. Its storyline proves to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will surely realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – including familiar faces – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects piled on green trees as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
How these standard ingredients coalesce into something enjoyable hinges on the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who browse regularly for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the dog, and while this leads to some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie does offer walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a charming humility that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself is convincing at looking despondent – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to provide depth to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, since Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation might seem more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict is not terrible – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
