This is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a dog after a breakup is ill-advised. Most will argue such arrangements impede individuals from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating across the board. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the mental health of our pets – many owners observe their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in pet despair, one need only look another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time coping with life in two homes. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on such a setup works effectively remains a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than its premise. It functions as a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the complexity are modest. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will presumably realize the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – including familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – exemplified by fake snow surrounding verdant foliage as a summer location substitutes for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – those people who seek out for dog videos. It provides a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness is not earned for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between emotional depth, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the dog resort scenario. He brings a endearing lack of ego that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal comes across as a little too aloof, notably when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, since the dog is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more adult and realistic with less exposition and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict is not terrible – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.
