This is a widely held belief among many that jointly caring for a canine companion after a breakup is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such situations prevent former couples from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the inner life of animals – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. If you need prime example in canine melancholy, consider recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict works effectively remains a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by director Swale, never aspires to be anything more than its premise. This is a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline proves to be straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by flurries clinging to green trees as North Carolina stands in for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these familiar elements merge into an entertaining watch rests upon the strength of the performances and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is Merv himself, and even if it causes some awkward editing between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. The tone shifts uneasily between relationship drama, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the unusual premise. He brings a likable self-deprecation that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna seems a little too aloof, particularly when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, the canine performer succeeds in looking despondent – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a very good boy.)
The story strives to give weight to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is easily the best part of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for the split might seem more nuanced with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, hitting every expected note. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
