It is a widely held belief for numerous people that co-parenting a pet following a split is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations prevent individuals from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. As it turns out, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
Not to downplay the inner life of animals – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adapting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation works effectively remains debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than its premise. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually carries the feel of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – exemplified by flurries clinging to verdant foliage as a warm climate doubles as a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts coalesce into a pleasant experience hinges on the execution and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – those people who seek out for pet content. It provides a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness does not extend for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between emotional depth, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a single genre. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna can feel a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)
The story strives to add substance to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, given that the title character is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split might seem more adult and realistic with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, hitting all its marks. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise has potential – though it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
