It is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a canine companion after a breakup is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such setups prevent individuals from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and become annoying for all parties. As it turns out, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to feel down.
While respecting the inner life of our pets – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. If you need masterclass in pet despair, one need only look another performance. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog played by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to split households. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation works effectively seems rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the depth is limited. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – exemplified by flurries piled on lush pines as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
How these predictable parts coalesce into an entertaining watch depends on the execution and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who browse regularly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style wavers between serious study, broad humor, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal comes across as a touch too detached, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, the canine performer manages looking despondent – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, since Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their separation might seem more grounded and mature with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – even if it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
