This is a widely held belief in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion post-separation is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such setups prevent individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying for all parties. Seemingly, as a development suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to become depressed.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – many owners attest to their deep emotional capacity. If you need prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to split households. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on such a setup holds water is rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than a light film. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline proves to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – played by a group of comedic actors – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in flurries clinging to green trees as a warm climate stands in for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and an acceptance of comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between serious study, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal comes across as a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself manages looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, 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 gentle and pleasant, hitting every expected note. Creating a movie with this canine conflict is not terrible – even if it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video this December.
