This is a widely held belief for numerous people that jointly caring for a canine companion following a split is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such situations prevent individuals from healing, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. As it turns out, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of our pets – pet parents attest to their deep emotional capacity. For a masterclass in dog sorrow, consider a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on this conflict is sustainable remains a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the ambitions are modest. The narrative proves to be uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will surely realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – as seen in flurries clinging to lush pines as North Carolina stands in for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these standard ingredients merge into a pleasant experience depends on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who seek out for pet content. The film delivers a plethora of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie does offer walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between serious study, zany antics, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a single genre. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal seems a touch too detached, especially when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself manages looking despondent – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a very good boy.)
Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for the split could have been more grounded and mature with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict is not terrible – though I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
