It is a widely held belief for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet following a split is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such setups impede former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for all parties. As it turns out, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
Not to downplay the mental health of animals – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in pet despair, simply recall a past film. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adjusting to split households. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on this conflict holds water is rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity is limited. The plot is destined to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring a group of comedic actors – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – exemplified by fake snow surrounding lush pines as a warm climate stands in for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
How these familiar elements merge into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. It provides a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the canine star, and while this leads to some awkward editing between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny required by the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that provides much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her Anna comes across as a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, the canine performer manages flopping and whining – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The story strives to provide depth to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, given that Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
