This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a dog post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements hinder ex-partners from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and become annoying for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to feel down.
While respecting the inner life of dogs – countless people observe their deep emotional capacity. If you need standout portrayal in pet despair, one need only look another performance. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with split households. If this concept a full holiday film on such a setup holds water remains a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. This is a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth is limited. The narrative is destined 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, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by fake snow piled on lush pines as a warm climate stands in for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
How these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the dog, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. The tone vacillates between relationship drama, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is fully game the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character comes across as a touch too detached, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, the canine performer manages flopping and whining – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to give weight to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, given that Merv is by far the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split might seem more nuanced with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise has potential – though it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.
