It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that sharing custody a dog after a breakup is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such arrangements impede individuals from finding closure, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for all parties. Seemingly, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – countless people speak of their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog portrayed by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on this conflict works effectively is rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by director Swale, never aspires to be anything more than what it is. It functions as a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth are modest. The narrative unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – think obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch rests upon the execution and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who browse regularly for pet content. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the canine star, and while this leads to some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between serious study, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and physical comedy, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a touch too detached, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Merv himself is convincing at flopping and whining – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to add substance to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split might seem more adult and realistic with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – though it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
