This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that jointly caring for a canine companion following a split is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements impede individuals from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to feel down.
While respecting the mental health of dogs – many owners speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in pet despair, one need only look a past film. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adapting to split households. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on such a setup works effectively seems debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of playwright 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 is limited. The plot unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – think flurries piled on verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
If these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable depends on the execution and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and while this leads to some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie does offer walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
This level of success cannot be applied for the human side of the story. Its style vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a consistent feel. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is fully game the absurd and awkward inherent in the bizarre setting. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that provides much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a touch too detached, particularly when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the central romance for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, since the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split might seem more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise has potential – though I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video this December.
