It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that sharing custody a canine companion following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede ex-partners from finding closure, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and become annoying for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to become depressed.
While respecting the inner life of our pets – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type played by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adapting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film on such a setup holds water seems debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than its premise. This is a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – featuring familiar faces – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually has the quality of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries clinging to lush pines as North Carolina stands in for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience hinges on the actors' work and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success is not earned for the romantic plot. The film's approach shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, failing to master a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is fully game the humiliating and funny inherent in the unusual premise. He brings a endearing lack of ego that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, since Merv is undoubtedly the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The cause for their original breakup could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – but it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
