This is a widely held belief among many that sharing custody a pet following a split is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such setups impede ex-partners from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – many owners speak of their deep emotional capacity. If you need prime example in pet despair, consider recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adapting to split households. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance around this situation is sustainable seems rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, written by the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. The plot is destined to be simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will surely realize the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as a warm climate stands in for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
How these standard ingredients come together into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the romantic plot. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, not quite landing any one mode. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny demanded of the dog resort scenario. He brings a endearing lack of ego that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. The character comes across as a touch too detached, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog succeeds in looking despondent – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, considering the dog is by far the best part of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation might seem more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling every expected note. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – but it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.
