It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion following a split is ill-advised. Most will argue such arrangements prevent individuals from finding closure, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for all parties. Seemingly, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – many owners observe their deep emotional capacity. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adapting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film on such a setup is sustainable seems debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. It functions as a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity are modest. Its storyline unfolds as simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will surely rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by fake snow clinging to green trees as North Carolina substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
If these predictable parts coalesce into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who browse regularly for pet content. The film delivers a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, pet moping, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness does not extend for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is fully game the humiliating and funny inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a little too aloof, notably when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, the canine performer succeeds in acting depressed – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The story strives to add substance to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, considering the dog is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation could have been more nuanced with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform starting December 10.