This is a widely held belief in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements prevent ex-partners from finding closure, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.
Without minimizing the mental health of dogs – many owners speak of their profound sensitivity. For a masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall a past film. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adapting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation is sustainable remains rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by director Swale, never aspires to be more profound than its premise. This is a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline unfolds as simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – including a group of comedic actors – serve as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by fake snow surrounding lush pines as a warm climate stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
If these standard ingredients merge into a pleasant experience depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who seek out for pet content. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the canine star, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and people's faces, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, dog depression, 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, broad humor, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not Cox's performance, who is fully game the humiliating and funny required by the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split would feel more adult and realistic with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Making a film with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – though I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv streams on Prime Video on December 10th.
