This is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such situations prevent former couples from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and prove frustrating across the board. As it turns out, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the inner life of dogs – pet parents speak of their profound sensitivity. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, consider another performance. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on such a setup holds water remains a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. This is a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the depth is limited. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – played by a group of comedic actors – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – exemplified by flurries clinging to green trees as North Carolina substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
If these predictable parts merge into something enjoyable hinges on the execution and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – the kind who browse regularly for pet content. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The tone shifts uneasily between emotional depth, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is fully game the silliness and cringe required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a charming humility that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a touch too detached, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, considering the title character is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for the split might seem more grounded and mature with less exposition and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie with this canine conflict has potential – though I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
