This is a widely held belief in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups prevent former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of dogs – many owners observe their deep emotional capacity. If you need standout portrayal in dog sorrow, consider another performance. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation works effectively remains debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Side characters – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in flurries surrounding green trees as a summer location substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
If these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who scroll endlessly for dog videos. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise is not earned for the romantic plot. Its style wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. His performance contains a charming humility that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a touch too detached, particularly when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, the canine performer is convincing at looking despondent – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The film attempts to add substance to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, given that the title character is by far the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup might seem more nuanced with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – though it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.
