It is a widely held belief in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements hinder individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for all parties. Seemingly, as a development suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in pet despair, simply recall a past film. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film on this conflict works effectively is a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by its screenwriters and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than a light film. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity are modest. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – including a group of comedic actors – serve as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects clinging to green trees as North Carolina substitutes for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these standard ingredients come together into something enjoyable depends on the strength of the performances and one's taste for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. It provides a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the silliness and cringe inherent in the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her Anna can feel a little too aloof, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages flopping and whining – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The story strives to give weight to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, since the title character is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The reason for their original breakup might seem more grounded and mature with more screen time and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, hitting every expected note. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.
