It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups impede individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying across the board. As it turns out, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of animals – countless people attest to their remarkable empathy. For a masterclass in dog sorrow, one need only look a past film. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on such a setup works effectively is a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. It functions as a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the ambitions is limited. The plot is destined to be straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – featuring a group of comedic actors – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – as seen in flurries surrounding lush pines as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these familiar elements come together into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who browse regularly for pet content. The film delivers a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, broad humor, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. The character can feel a little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a very good boy.)
The story strives to provide depth to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, considering Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their separation might seem more adult and realistic with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, hitting all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – even if it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.
