It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations prevent former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying for all parties. As it turns out, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.
Without minimizing the mental health of our pets – many owners speak of their remarkable empathy. For a standout portrayal in pet despair, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film on such a setup is sustainable remains debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and helmed by director Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than its premise. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. The plot unfolds as straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will surely realize the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – featuring familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – think obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
If these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch rests upon the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for cute animal clips. The film delivers a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and people's faces, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, pet moping, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between serious study, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, not quite landing any one mode. This is not Charlie Cox, who is fully game the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal comes across as a touch too detached, notably when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, the canine performer is convincing at looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The story strives to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since the title character is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The cause for the split would feel more adult and realistic with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting every expected note. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – though I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.
