It is a common warning among many that sharing custody a dog following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups impede former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. Seemingly, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Without minimizing the inner life of animals – many owners speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, one need only look a past film. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult coping with divided living arrangements. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and under the guidance of director Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually has the quality of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – think obvious snow effects piled on lush pines as North Carolina doubles as a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
If these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who browse regularly for pet content. Audiences receive a series of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the canine star, and while this leads to some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie does offer canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the human side of the story. Its style wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, not quite landing a consistent feel. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the unusual premise. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. The character comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages acting depressed – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, since the dog is by far the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their separation might seem more adult and realistic with less exposition and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling every expected note. Crafting a story with this canine conflict is not terrible – but it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform this December.
