It is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a canine companion after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such situations impede former couples from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.
While respecting the mental health of dogs – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. If you need standout portrayal in pet despair, consider another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film on such a setup holds water seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than its premise. It functions as a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. The plot proves to be straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – including a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – as seen in fake snow clinging to green trees as North Carolina substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. It provides a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style wavers between serious study, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to a single genre. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the unusual premise. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog manages acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to give weight to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, given that the title character is undoubtedly the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their separation could have been more nuanced with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, hitting all its marks. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
