It is a widely held belief among many that co-parenting a dog after a breakup is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such setups impede ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.
While respecting the inner life of animals – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. To witness a standout portrayal in pet despair, one need only look recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adapting to life in two homes. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on this conflict holds water seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, written by its screenwriters and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – think flurries surrounding lush pines as a summer location stands in for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these standard ingredients merge into something enjoyable rests upon the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for dog videos. Audiences receive a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and though it results in some clunky cuts between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach vacillates between emotional depth, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and silly gags, not quite landing a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the bizarre setting. He brings a likable self-deprecation that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Gus the Dog succeeds in flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to give weight to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, given that Merv is by far the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their original breakup might seem more adult and realistic with less exposition and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.
