This is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a canine companion after a breakup is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such situations impede individuals from finding closure, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – pet parents observe their deep emotional capacity. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, one need only look recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time coping with life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation works effectively seems a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity are modest. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only 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. Ensemble players – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – as seen in flurries piled on green trees as a summer location substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these standard ingredients coalesce into an entertaining watch hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for pet content. The film delivers a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the canine star, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style shifts uneasily between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, not quite landing a single genre. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, especially when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, the canine performer succeeds in acting depressed – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to add substance to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, since the dog is easily the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – though it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
