It is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such setups hinder ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. As it turns out, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to become depressed.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – many owners observe their deep emotional capacity. For a prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film on such a setup is sustainable remains a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than its premise. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the depth remains surface-level. Its storyline proves to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will surely rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – think flurries piled on green trees as North Carolina doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these familiar elements come together into something enjoyable depends on the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success does not extend for the human side of the story. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is fully game the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a bit too dry, notably when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, the canine performer is convincing at looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)
Merv tries to give weight to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, since Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for the split might seem more grounded and mature with less exposition and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – even if it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
