This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such situations hinder former couples from healing, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time coping with split households. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on this conflict holds water remains debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will surely realize the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by fake snow surrounding lush pines as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who scroll endlessly for pet content. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to any one mode. This is not Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a touch too detached, particularly when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog succeeds in flopping and whining – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since Merv is undoubtedly the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for the split could have been more nuanced with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, hitting every expected note. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – though it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
