This is a widely held belief for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede individuals from moving forward, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of animals – countless people attest to their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time coping with divided living arrangements. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on such a setup works effectively is debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, written by the writing duo and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. This is a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the complexity are modest. The narrative proves to be straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – featuring familiar faces – serve as the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – as seen in flurries piled on verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these standard ingredients come together into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and though it results in some clunky cuts between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, pet moping, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
This level of success is not earned for the human side of the story. Its style vacillates between emotional depth, broad humor, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna can feel a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)
Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, considering the dog is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their separation would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Making a film with this canine conflict is not terrible – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
