This is a widely held belief among many that jointly caring for a pet following a split is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such situations hinder former couples from healing, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – many owners observe their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in pet despair, consider recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adjusting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance around this situation holds water is rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo 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. Its storyline proves to be simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as the usual assortment of types. The film's look carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – think fake snow clinging to green trees as North Carolina stands in for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience rests upon the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who browse regularly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise does not extend for the human side of the story. The tone shifts uneasily between serious study, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny demanded of the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal seems a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, the canine performer is convincing at looking despondent – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, since the title character is by far the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their original breakup might seem more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – but I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video this December.
