This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that jointly caring for a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such situations impede individuals from finding closure, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of dogs – many owners speak of their deep emotional capacity. For a masterclass in dog sorrow, consider a past film. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adapting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance around this situation holds water is rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. It functions as a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. The narrative proves to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – including familiar faces – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these predictable parts coalesce into an entertaining watch hinges on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for pet content. It provides a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, pet moping, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The tone shifts uneasily between relationship drama, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not Cox's performance, who is fully game the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a little too aloof, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, the canine performer succeeds in flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, considering the dog is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for the split would feel more nuanced with less exposition and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – but it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
