It is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such setups impede former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Seemingly, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the mental health of animals – many owners observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a standout portrayal in pet despair, consider recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with life in two homes. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively remains debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of director Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity are modest. Its storyline proves to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as a summer location stands in for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
If these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and while this leads to some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The tone shifts uneasily between relationship drama, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, failing to master any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward demanded of the unusual premise. He brings a endearing lack of ego that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. The character comes across as a touch too detached, notably when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, the canine performer is convincing at flopping and whining – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a very good boy.)
The story strives to provide depth to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, since the title character is by far the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with less exposition and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – though I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video this December.
