It is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is ill-advised. Most will argue such setups impede former couples from finding closure, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating across the board. Seemingly, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to feel down.
While respecting the mental health of our pets – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look a past film. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with split households. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on such a setup is sustainable remains a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than a light film. We have here a holiday release from a corporate studio – the complexity are modest. The narrative is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – played by familiar faces – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
How these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable depends on the actors' work and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – the kind who browse regularly for cute animal clips. It provides a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is Merv himself, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, not quite landing a consistent feel. This is not Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny inherent in the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. The character comes across as a touch too detached, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, the canine performer succeeds in looking despondent – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a very good boy.)
The story strives to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that the title character is undoubtedly the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – though I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.
