It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements prevent individuals from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and become annoying for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents speak of their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on this conflict works effectively is a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions is limited. The plot unfolds as straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – played by familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – exemplified by fake snow clinging to lush pines as a warm climate stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
If these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and one's taste for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for pet content. The film delivers a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the dog, and while this leads to some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style vacillates between serious study, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and silly gags, not quite landing a single genre. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny required by the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a charming humility that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a little too aloof, notably when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, the canine performer manages flopping and whining – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)
The story strives to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, considering the dog is undoubtedly the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more nuanced with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – even if it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
