It is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet following a split is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations prevent ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and become annoying for all parties. Seemingly, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Without minimizing the mental health of animals – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. For a prime example in canine melancholy, consider another performance. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adapting to life in two homes. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on such a setup holds water remains a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline unfolds as simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – exemplified by fake snow surrounding green trees as a warm climate substitutes for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch rests upon the execution and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, broad humor, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, failing to master any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe demanded of the dog resort scenario. He brings a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. The character seems a bit too dry, particularly when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, given that the dog is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for the split would feel more adult and realistic with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, hitting all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict is not terrible – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
