This is a widely held belief in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion following a split is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such situations prevent ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. If you need prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would struggle coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively seems debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than its premise. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. The narrative unfolds as simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – featuring a group of comedic actors – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – think obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
If these predictable parts coalesce into an entertaining watch rests upon the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for cute animal clips. The film delivers a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, never fully committing to a single genre. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. He brings a endearing lack of ego that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, especially when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with more screen time and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – but I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
