It is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog following a split is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements impede ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying across the board. As it turns out, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to become depressed.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. For a masterclass in dog sorrow, one need only look a past film. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by Gus the Dog, would struggle adapting to life in two homes. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on such a setup is sustainable is a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, written by the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity are modest. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Side characters – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – think flurries surrounding lush pines as a warm climate stands in for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience rests upon the actors' work and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness does not extend for the interpersonal drama. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, never fully committing to a single genre. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny demanded of the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that provides much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna can feel a little too aloof, particularly when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, the canine performer manages acting depressed – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for the split might seem more nuanced with more screen time and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video this December.
