It is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a canine companion after a breakup is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups prevent ex-partners from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the inner life of animals – many owners attest to their remarkable empathy. To witness a prime example in pet despair, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would struggle coping with split households. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation works effectively remains a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity is limited. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: former spouses 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 dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – as seen in flurries surrounding verdant foliage as North Carolina stands in for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
How these standard ingredients come together into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success is not earned for the romantic plot. The tone vacillates between emotional depth, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, failing to master a consistent feel. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the humiliating and funny required by the dog resort scenario. He brings a endearing lack of ego that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. The character can feel a bit too dry, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Merv himself is convincing at flopping and whining – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to add substance to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their original breakup might seem more adult and realistic with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.
