It is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet following a split is a terrible idea. Most will argue such setups impede ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating across the board. As it turns out, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – countless people observe their remarkable empathy. If you need prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would struggle coping with split households. Whether this premise a full holiday film on such a setup holds water seems debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of director Swale, never aspires to be more profound than a light film. This is a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the ambitions remains surface-level. The narrative is destined to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring a group of comedic actors – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – exemplified by flurries clinging to green trees as North Carolina stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these familiar elements merge into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a series of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the canine star, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie does offer dog beach fun, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Human Element
This level of success cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between emotional depth, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, not quite landing any one mode. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny required by the unusual premise. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, especially when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Gus the Dog succeeds in acting depressed – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a very good boy.)
The story strives to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since the title character is easily the best part of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for the split might seem more adult and realistic with less exposition and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, meeting every expected note. Making a film with this canine conflict is not terrible – though it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video this December.
