This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a dog after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such setups impede individuals from finding closure, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating across the board. Seemingly, as a development suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners observe their profound sensitivity. If you need prime example in pet despair, simply recall a past film. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adapting to split households. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation holds water is rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, written by the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as a summer location substitutes for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
If these predictable parts coalesce into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and one's taste for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – those people who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and while this leads to some awkward editing between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The tone vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, never fully committing to any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself is convincing at acting depressed – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a very good boy.)
The story strives to give weight 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 feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The reason for their original breakup would feel more grounded and mature with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – but it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
