This is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such setups prevent ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – pet parents speak of their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively is a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the depth remains surface-level. The narrative is destined to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will presumably realize the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – as seen in fake snow piled on verdant foliage as a warm climate stands in for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the canine star, and even if it causes some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, pet moping, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The tone shifts uneasily between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, failing to master a single genre. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward inherent in the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. The character can feel a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The story strives to give weight to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, given that the title character is undoubtedly the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split might seem more adult and realistic with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict is not terrible – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video this December.
