This is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a canine companion following a split is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such situations hinder former couples from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – many owners observe their deep emotional capacity. For a masterclass in pet despair, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult coping with divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a full holiday film on such a setup works effectively is a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, written by the writing duo and directed by director Swale, never aspires to be deeper than what it is. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the complexity are modest. The plot proves to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will presumably realize the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – including familiar faces – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by fake snow surrounding lush pines as a summer location substitutes for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these standard ingredients merge into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise is not earned for the human side of the story. The tone wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a single genre. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that provides much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. The character comes across as a bit too dry, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at acting depressed – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is undoubtedly the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The reason for their original breakup would feel more grounded and mature with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – but it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video this December.
