This is a widely held belief in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion following a split is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such situations prevent ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to feel down.
While respecting the mental health of our pets – countless people speak of their remarkable empathy. If you need standout portrayal in canine melancholy, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adapting to split households. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation works effectively remains debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the complexity are modest. Its storyline proves to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – played by a group of comedic actors – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – exemplified by flurries piled on green trees as a warm climate stands in for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these familiar elements merge into something enjoyable depends on the actors' work and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
This level of success is not earned for the interpersonal drama. Its style vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a touch too detached, especially when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, the canine performer manages looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, since the title character is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The reason for their original breakup would feel more grounded and mature with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – even if I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
