It is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such situations hinder individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying for everyone involved. Seemingly, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
While respecting the mental health of animals – countless people observe their remarkable empathy. If you need standout portrayal in canine melancholy, consider a past film. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult coping with split households. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation holds water seems a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the ambitions remains surface-level. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will surely realize the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually has the quality of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch depends on the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the dog, and though it results in some awkward editing between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success is not earned for the interpersonal drama. Its style vacillates between relationship drama, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny inherent in the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that offers much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a bit too dry, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, the canine performer succeeds in flopping and whining – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a very good boy.)
Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, given that Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their original breakup could have been more grounded and mature with more screen time and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – though I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform this December.
