This is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is a terrible idea. Most will argue such setups impede former couples from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to feel down.
Not to downplay the mental health of animals – pet parents speak of their profound sensitivity. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively is debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, written by the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth are modest. The plot unfolds as uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects piled on lush pines as a summer location stands in for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these standard ingredients come together into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and one's taste for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. It provides a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on walking sequences, pet moping, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style vacillates between emotional depth, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, failing to master a single genre. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself manages looking despondent – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, since the title character is undoubtedly the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their separation might seem more adult and realistic with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – even if it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.
