This is a widely held belief in certain circles that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede individuals from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.
While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in pet despair, one need only look another performance. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable is debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. Its storyline unfolds as straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – exemplified by fake snow surrounding verdant foliage as North Carolina doubles as the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
If these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style wavers between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, failing to master a single genre. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)
Merv tries to give weight to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, given that the dog is by far the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation would feel more nuanced with more screen time and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict is not terrible – but it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
