It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion after a breakup is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede former couples from finding closure, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the mental health of animals – many owners attest to their deep emotional capacity. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively seems rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, written by its screenwriters and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions remains surface-level. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – as seen in fake snow piled on green trees as a summer location substitutes for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
How these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience depends on the strength of the performances and one's taste for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between emotional depth, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the humiliating and funny required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that provides much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, especially when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Merv himself is convincing at flopping and whining – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to provide depth to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is by far the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their separation might seem more grounded and mature with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.
