This is a widely held belief in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. Most will argue such setups hinder individuals from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and become annoying for all parties. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, consider recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adapting to split households. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable is debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of director Swale, never aspires to be deeper than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions are modest. The plot is destined to be simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – think obvious snow effects clinging to green trees as North Carolina substitutes for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
How these familiar elements merge into something enjoyable depends on the execution and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who scroll endlessly for pet content. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the canine star, and while this leads to some awkward editing between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The film's approach shifts uneasily between relationship drama, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, never fully committing to any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, particularly when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Gus the Dog manages acting depressed – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains an excellent dog.)
The story strives to add substance to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since the dog is by far the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation might seem more adult and realistic with less exposition and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – though it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform this December.
