This is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a dog following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance across the board. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – pet parents attest to their deep emotional capacity. If you need standout portrayal in pet despair, one need only look a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on this conflict works effectively is a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. The narrative unfolds as uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – featuring a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – exemplified by flurries piled on green trees as a warm climate substitutes for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
How these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience rests upon the execution and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise is not earned for the romantic plot. The tone vacillates between relationship drama, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, not quite landing a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna comes across as a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer is convincing at flopping and whining – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is undoubtedly the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for the split would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
