This is a common warning among many that sharing custody a dog following a split is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such situations hinder former couples from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and become annoying for everyone involved. As it turns out, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – countless people speak of their deep emotional capacity. For a masterclass in pet despair, one need only look recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog portrayed by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on such a setup is sustainable remains debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than its premise. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the complexity are modest. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to green trees as a summer location substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience rests upon the execution and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a series of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success cannot be applied for the human side of the story. Its style shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is fully game the humiliating and funny inherent in the bizarre setting. He brings a endearing lack of ego that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a bit too dry, especially when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, the canine performer manages looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a very good boy.)
Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, given that the title character is undoubtedly the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The cause for the split would feel more grounded and mature with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict is not terrible – though it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
