It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups prevent former couples from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and are a nuisance across the board. As it turns out, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to feel down.
While respecting the inner life of dogs – many owners speak of their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by Gus the Dog, would struggle adapting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on such a setup is sustainable is rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, the work of the writing duo and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – featuring a group of comedic actors – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. The film's look has the quality of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – think fake snow surrounding verdant foliage as North Carolina stands in for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
How these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable depends on the execution and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the canine star, and even if it causes some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, dog depression, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Human Element
This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style wavers between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a single genre. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is fully game the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. The character can feel a touch too detached, notably when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, the canine performer manages acting depressed – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to give weight to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, since Merv is by far the best part of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – but it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
