It is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a canine companion following a split is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such situations hinder individuals from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. As it turns out, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to feel down.
Without minimizing the inner life of our pets – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adapting to divided living arrangements. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively seems debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by director Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. The plot is destined to be simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – think obvious snow effects piled on lush pines as North Carolina substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch depends on the execution and one's taste for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – those people who browse regularly for pet content. It provides a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the canine star, and while this leads to some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna can feel a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Gus the Dog manages flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to provide depth to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, considering the dog is by far the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup might seem more nuanced with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
