This is a widely held belief for numerous people that co-parenting a dog following a split is a terrible idea. Most will argue such setups impede ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying for everyone involved. Seemingly, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
While respecting the inner life of our pets – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in dog sorrow, simply recall a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would struggle coping with divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom around this situation works effectively is a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. The plot proves to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually carries the feel of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects piled on green trees as a warm climate stands in for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these familiar elements coalesce into something enjoyable depends on the strength of the performances and one's taste for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and while this leads to some stilted moments between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, pet moping, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The tone vacillates between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, not quite landing any one mode. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is fully game the humiliating and funny demanded of the dog resort scenario. He brings a endearing lack of ego that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal comes across as a touch too detached, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, since the title character is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – even if it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.
