This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements hinder ex-partners from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Seemingly, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to feel down.
While respecting the inner life of animals – pet parents speak of their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in dog sorrow, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with split households. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict holds water is a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity is limited. The plot proves to be straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – including familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. The film's look carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
How these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience rests upon the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a series of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie does offer dog beach fun, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness is not earned for the romantic plot. The tone shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, failing to master a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward inherent in the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that provides much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal comes across as a touch too detached, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself is convincing at acting depressed – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, given that Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their original breakup might seem more adult and realistic with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling every expected note. Crafting a story with this canine conflict is not terrible – even if it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
