It is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a pet post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups hinder ex-partners from healing, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for all parties. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to feel down.
Not to downplay the mental health of dogs – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. To witness a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, consider another performance. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adjusting to split households. The idea of basing a full holiday film on such a setup holds water remains a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the depth are modest. The narrative unfolds as uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – featuring a group of comedic actors – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – as seen in flurries piled on green trees as North Carolina substitutes for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these predictable parts merge into something enjoyable rests upon the execution and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who browse regularly for pet content. The film delivers a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and while this leads to some stilted moments between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer dog beach fun, dog depression, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness is not earned for the interpersonal drama. Its style vacillates between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character comes across as a touch too detached, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, the canine performer manages acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)
The story strives to add substance to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for the split might seem more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Making a film with this canine conflict is not terrible – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
