It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that sharing custody a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such situations prevent former couples from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and become annoying across the board. As it turns out, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the inner life of our pets – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, consider another performance. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively remains a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, written by its screenwriters and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the complexity are modest. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually has the quality of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries surrounding green trees as a summer location doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
If these predictable parts coalesce into an entertaining watch rests upon the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who browse regularly for pet content. Audiences receive a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the canine star, and even if it causes some stilted moments between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
This level of success is not earned for the human side of the story. Its style shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a endearing lack of ego that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna can feel a bit too dry, particularly when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Merv himself is convincing at acting depressed – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a very good boy.)
Merv tries to give weight to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The cause for their separation would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – though it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
