It is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such setups impede individuals from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and become annoying across the board. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to feel down.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of our pets – pet parents speak of their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in dog sorrow, consider recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time coping with life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable seems rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than its premise. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. Its storyline proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – including a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as a warm climate stands in for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience rests upon the strength of the performances and one's taste for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who scroll endlessly for pet content. It provides a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is Merv himself, and even if it causes some awkward editing between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to any one mode. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the humiliating and funny required by the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a touch too detached, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a very good boy.)
Merv tries to give weight to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their original breakup might seem more grounded and mature with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Making a film about dog co-parenting is not terrible – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
