This is a common warning in certain circles that sharing custody a canine companion after a breakup is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements prevent former couples from moving forward, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
Without minimizing the mental health of animals – countless people observe their deep emotional capacity. For a prime example in dog sorrow, consider recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance around this situation is sustainable remains rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and directed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth are modest. The narrative proves to be straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will surely rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – think fake snow surrounding lush pines as a warm climate stands in for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
How these predictable parts merge into something enjoyable depends on the actors' work and an acceptance of comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the canine star, and though it results in some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie does offer canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, finally, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success cannot be applied for the human side of the story. Its style wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. He brings a endearing lack of ego that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna seems a bit too dry, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, the canine performer succeeds in looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to give weight to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is easily the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation would feel more adult and realistic with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – but I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Prime Video on December 10th.
