It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such situations impede individuals from finding closure, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
While respecting the inner life of our pets – countless people speak of their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look a past film. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with divided living arrangements. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively remains rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than what it is. This is a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions are modest. The narrative is destined to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by familiar faces – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for pet content. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the canine star, and even if it causes some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
This level of success cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between emotional depth, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, not quite landing a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. His performance contains a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a touch too detached, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself manages looking despondent – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to provide depth to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, given that Merv is easily the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for the split might seem more nuanced with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – even if it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.
