It is a widely held belief for numerous people that jointly caring for a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements hinder individuals from finding closure, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating across the board. Apparently, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to become depressed.
While respecting the inner life of animals – pet parents speak of their profound sensitivity. If you need prime example in pet despair, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable remains rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. Its storyline unfolds as simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries piled on green trees as a warm climate substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
If these predictable parts coalesce into something enjoyable rests upon the execution and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who browse regularly for cute animal clips. It provides a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is Merv himself, and while this leads to some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a touch too detached, particularly when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, the canine performer is convincing at flopping and whining – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The film attempts to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, since the title character is by far the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise has potential – even if it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
