It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to become depressed.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. If you need standout portrayal in dog sorrow, consider another performance. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with life in two homes. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on this conflict holds water is a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline proves to be straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Side characters – played by a group of comedic actors – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic has the quality of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries surrounding verdant foliage as North Carolina substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
If these standard ingredients merge into a pleasant experience depends on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach vacillates between emotional depth, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, failing to master a single genre. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is fully game the humiliating and funny inherent in the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal comes across as a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, the canine performer succeeds in acting depressed – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for the split might seem more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – though it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
