It is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a dog post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such setups hinder individuals from healing, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and prove frustrating across the board. As it turns out, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to feel down.
While respecting the inner life of our pets – many owners speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog played by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time coping with divided living arrangements. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on this conflict holds water seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. It functions as a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions remains surface-level. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will presumably realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including familiar faces – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as a summer location doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who seek out for pet content. It provides a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the dog, and while this leads to some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise does not extend for the human side of the story. The tone wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, not quite landing a consistent feel. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, especially when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Merv himself manages acting depressed – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a very good boy.)
The film attempts to add substance to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, given that the title character is undoubtedly the best part of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The cause for their original breakup could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie with this canine conflict is not terrible – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video this December.
