It is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion following a split is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such setups impede individuals from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.
Without minimizing the mental health of dogs – countless people observe their remarkable empathy. For a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, simply recall recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on such a setup works effectively remains debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, written by the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – as seen in flurries piled on verdant foliage as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
If these standard ingredients come together into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – those people who seek out for cute animal clips. The film delivers a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is Merv himself, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie does offer dog beach fun, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward inherent in the unusual premise. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that provides much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her Anna can feel a bit too dry, especially when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a very good boy.)
Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, since the title character is easily the best part of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup might seem more grounded and mature with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – but I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
