It is a common warning in certain circles that sharing custody a canine companion after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such arrangements hinder former couples from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the inner life of animals – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. For a masterclass in dog sorrow, one need only look a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on this conflict works effectively seems debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than its premise. It functions as a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will presumably realize the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – including familiar faces – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – as seen in flurries clinging to verdant foliage as a warm climate stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
If these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience rests upon the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – the kind who browse regularly for pet content. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between emotional depth, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. This is not Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation 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 click for some but not others. Her portrayal comes across as a little too aloof, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, the canine performer manages looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)
Merv tries to add substance to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, considering the title character is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for the split would feel more grounded and mature with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.
