It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements prevent individuals from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to become depressed.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of animals – many owners attest to their remarkable empathy. For a masterclass in pet despair, simply recall a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adapting to split households. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on such a setup holds water is rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including familiar faces – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in flurries clinging to green trees as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch depends on the execution and one's taste for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, pet moping, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
The same praise cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The tone shifts uneasily between emotional depth, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, failing to master a single genre. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny inherent in the bizarre setting. His performance contains a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, the canine performer succeeds in acting depressed – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a very good boy.)
The story strives to provide depth to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, considering the dog is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for the split could have been more grounded and mature with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – but it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform on December 10th.