It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that sharing custody a canine companion following a split is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such situations hinder ex-partners from finding closure, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating across the board. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the inner life of our pets – countless people observe their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in pet despair, simply recall recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog played by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adapting to life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film on such a setup is sustainable remains a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, written by its screenwriters and helmed by director Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than a light film. We have here a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the complexity are modest. The narrative is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – including familiar faces – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – exemplified by fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as North Carolina substitutes for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
How these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch depends on the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – those people who scroll endlessly for dog videos. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and while this leads to some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, pet moping, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, not quite landing any one mode. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is fully game the humiliating and funny inherent in the bizarre setting. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that supplies much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. The character can feel a touch too detached, especially when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Gus the Dog manages flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)
The film attempts to give weight to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that Merv is undoubtedly the cutest element of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their separation might seem more grounded and mature with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting is not terrible – even if it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.
