This is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations prevent ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the inner life of our pets – pet parents attest to their profound sensitivity. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, consider recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adapting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film on this conflict works effectively remains debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than its premise. This is a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth remains surface-level. The plot proves to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – including familiar faces – serve as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – think fake snow surrounding lush pines as North Carolina doubles as a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
How these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch rests upon the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who seek out for pet content. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, pet moping, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise is not earned for the human side of the story. The film's approach shifts uneasily between relationship drama, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, not quite landing a single genre. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna can feel a touch too detached, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, given that the title character is by far the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.
