It is a widely held belief among many that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements hinder ex-partners from healing, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to feel down.
Without minimizing the mental health of dogs – countless people observe their deep emotional capacity. If you need masterclass in dog sorrow, consider another performance. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time coping with split households. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on such a setup works effectively remains a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. This is a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions are modest. The plot unfolds as straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including familiar faces – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to green trees as a summer location doubles as a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
How these standard ingredients come together into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the dog, and while this leads to some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
This level of success cannot be applied for the romantic plot. Its style wavers between relationship drama, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and physical comedy, not quite landing a single genre. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the unusual premise. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna can feel a bit too dry, notably when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, the canine performer succeeds in flopping and whining – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a very good boy.)
The film attempts to add substance to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, considering Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split would feel more nuanced with more screen time and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – though it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
