This is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion after a breakup is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such arrangements prevent ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people attest to their remarkable empathy. For a masterclass in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on this conflict holds water seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – exemplified by fake snow piled on green trees as a warm climate stands in for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
How these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience rests upon the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the human side of the story. Its style wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the dog resort scenario. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, particularly when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since the title character is easily the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The reason for the split might seem more grounded and mature with more screen time and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – but I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
