It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements prevent individuals from healing, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in canine melancholy, consider another performance. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would struggle adapting to split households. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation is sustainable remains rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by director Swale, never aspires to be deeper than a light film. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the ambitions are modest. The narrative is destined to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – including familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow piled on verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
If these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a plethora of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, pet moping, and, in the end, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach vacillates between emotional depth, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, not quite landing any one mode. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward inherent in the unusual premise. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a bit too dry, especially when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, considering the title character is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their original breakup might seem more adult and realistic with less exposition and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, hitting every expected note. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – even if it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform this December.
