It is a widely held belief in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements hinder ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance across the board. Seemingly, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, simply recall recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on this conflict holds water remains rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the complexity are modest. The narrative proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – played by a group of comedic actors – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – think fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these standard ingredients merge into something enjoyable depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who browse regularly for pet content. The film delivers a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is Merv himself, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer dog beach fun, pet moping, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Human Element
This level of success is not earned for the romantic plot. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, broad humor, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is fully game the absurd and awkward required by the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna can feel a little too aloof, especially when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The story strives to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since the dog is by far the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The cause for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – even if it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.
