This is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such setups prevent former couples from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and become annoying for everyone involved. Apparently, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.
While respecting the inner life of our pets – pet parents attest to their deep emotional capacity. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, consider recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type played by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance around this situation is sustainable is debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth is limited. The narrative proves to be simple and direct: 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 therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will surely realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects piled on lush pines as a warm climate stands in for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
How these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience rests upon the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a wealth of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie does offer walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna comes across as a little too aloof, especially when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog succeeds in flopping and whining – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, given that Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their separation might seem more grounded and mature with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform this December.
