It is a widely held belief for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements prevent ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to become depressed.
Not to downplay the inner life of our pets – many owners attest to their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in pet despair, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult coping with divided living arrangements. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Side characters – including familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects piled on lush pines as a warm climate stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
If these standard ingredients coalesce into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and an acceptance of comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who browse regularly for cute animal clips. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the canine star, and even if it causes some stilted moments between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to a single genre. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. He brings a charming humility that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her Anna can feel a touch too detached, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself is convincing at flopping and whining – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, considering the dog is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The reason for their original breakup could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Making a film on this shared-custody premise has potential – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
