This is a widely held belief in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups impede ex-partners from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to become depressed.
While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – many owners attest to their deep emotional capacity. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adapting to split households. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on this conflict holds water is a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. The narrative is destined to be straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – serve as the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – think flurries clinging to lush pines as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
If these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who seek out for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the canine star, and even if it causes some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The tone shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is fully game the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal comes across as a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself is convincing at looking despondent – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, given that the dog is undoubtedly the cutest element of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict has potential – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.
