It is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements impede ex-partners from healing, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. Seemingly, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to become depressed.
While respecting the inner life of our pets – countless people observe their deep emotional capacity. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance around this situation is sustainable remains rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by its screenwriters and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline unfolds as straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely realize the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries piled on lush pines as a summer location doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
How these familiar elements coalesce into something enjoyable rests upon the actors' work and one's taste for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – those people who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. It provides a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and while this leads to some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, pet moping, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness does not extend for the human side of the story. The tone shifts uneasily between serious study, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, failing to master any one mode. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is fully game the absurd and awkward required by the dog resort scenario. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a little too aloof, particularly when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, considering the dog is by far the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with less exposition and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film on this shared-custody premise has potential – though it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Prime Video this December.
