It is a widely held belief for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such situations impede individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. As it turns out, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of dogs – pet parents speak of their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look a past film. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively is debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. Its storyline proves to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look is reminiscent of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – as seen in flurries surrounding green trees as North Carolina doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these standard ingredients come together into an entertaining watch rests upon the execution and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for pet content. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and while this leads to some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success is not earned for the human side of the story. The tone shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, not quite landing a single genre. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward inherent in the bizarre setting. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Gus the Dog succeeds in acting depressed – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)
The film attempts to add substance to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since the dog is easily the best part of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for the split might seem more grounded and mature with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise has potential – even if it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.
