It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such setups prevent former couples from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and are a nuisance across the board. As it turns out, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people observe their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall a past film. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable seems a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, written by the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions remains surface-level. The plot unfolds as straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will surely rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. The film's look has the quality of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – think flurries clinging to green trees as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch depends on the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for pet content. It provides a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the canine star, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master a single genre. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is fully game the silliness and cringe required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna seems a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Merv himself manages acting depressed – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to add substance to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, since the title character is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The cause for their separation might seem more adult and realistic with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, hitting every expected note. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – but it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
