This is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such situations hinder individuals from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. As it turns out, as a development suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to become depressed.
While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, one need only look a past film. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog played by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on this conflict works effectively is a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, written by its screenwriters and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than its premise. This is a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions remains surface-level. Its storyline proves to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – think fake snow clinging to lush pines as North Carolina stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these standard ingredients come together into something enjoyable depends on the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who scroll endlessly for pet content. The film delivers a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
This level of success cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style vacillates between serious study, broad humor, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny required by the unusual premise. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, the canine performer is convincing at acting depressed – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to add substance to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, since the dog is undoubtedly the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split would feel more nuanced with more screen time and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, hitting every expected note. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform this December.
