It is a widely held belief for numerous people that jointly caring for a canine companion following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups hinder former couples from finding closure, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. Seemingly, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.
Without minimizing the mental health of our pets – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, consider recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time coping with life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film on such a setup is sustainable remains debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than a light film. This is a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity are modest. The plot proves to be straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – featuring a group of comedic actors – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look carries the feel of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – exemplified by obvious snow effects piled on lush pines as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
If these standard ingredients come together into an entertaining watch rests upon the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – those people who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, dog depression, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness is not earned for the romantic plot. The film's approach shifts uneasily between relationship drama, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a single genre. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. The character seems a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Merv himself is convincing at acting depressed – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to add substance to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, considering Merv is by far the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for the split might seem more adult and realistic with less exposition and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie with this canine conflict has potential – even if it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.
