It is a widely held belief among many that jointly caring for a canine companion after a breakup is ill-advised. Most will argue such arrangements impede ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to become depressed.
While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – countless people observe their deep emotional capacity. If you need masterclass in dog sorrow, consider another performance. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to split households. The idea of basing a full holiday film on such a setup is sustainable seems rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and under the guidance of director Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. The narrative proves to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – featuring familiar faces – serve as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects piled on lush pines as a warm climate stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
If these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – those people who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between serious study, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, failing to master any one mode. This is not Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. The character seems a bit too dry, particularly when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself is convincing at flopping and whining – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a very good boy.)
Merv tries to give weight to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering the dog is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for the split might seem more adult and realistic with less exposition and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – though I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
