It is a widely held belief in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet following a split is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such situations impede individuals from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and become annoying across the board. Seemingly, as a development suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to feel down.
Not to downplay the mental health of animals – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in pet despair, one need only look another performance. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adjusting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on such a setup holds water seems a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth are modest. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Visually has the quality of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries surrounding green trees as a warm climate doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
How these standard ingredients merge into something enjoyable rests upon the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – those people who seek out for pet content. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and while this leads to some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a single genre. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. He brings a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, injects a particular brand of eccentricity 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, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a very good boy.)
The story strives to provide depth to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, since Merv is by far the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with less exposition and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – though it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
