It is a common warning among many that sharing custody a canine companion following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such situations prevent former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Seemingly, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.
While respecting the mental health of our pets – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, one need only look another performance. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adapting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on such a setup holds water remains a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, written by the writing duo and directed by director Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than what it is. We have here a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity is limited. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic has the quality of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – think fake snow piled on lush pines as North Carolina substitutes for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these standard ingredients coalesce into a pleasant experience depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who browse regularly for cute animal clips. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the canine star, and even if it causes some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the human side of the story. The tone vacillates between relationship drama, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward inherent in the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her Anna can feel a little too aloof, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Merv himself is convincing at acting depressed – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to give weight to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, since the dog is undoubtedly the best part of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The reason for the split might seem more adult and realistic with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – even if I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
