This is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog following a split is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such setups hinder individuals from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and become annoying for everyone involved. As it turns out, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
While respecting the inner life of dogs – many owners observe their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in dog sorrow, one need only look recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time coping with life in two homes. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation is sustainable is debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than its premise. It functions as a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions are modest. The narrative is destined to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – played by familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – think obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as a warm climate stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these familiar elements coalesce into an entertaining watch rests upon the actors' work and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who scroll endlessly for dog videos. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness does not extend for the human side of the story. The film's approach shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is fully game the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character comes across as a little too aloof, notably when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Merv himself is convincing at acting depressed – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a very good boy.)
The story strives to add substance to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, since Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation might seem more grounded and mature with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – though it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
