This is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such arrangements hinder former couples from healing, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of our pets – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, simply recall a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with split households. Whether this premise a full holiday film on such a setup works effectively seems rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. The narrative unfolds as straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – think flurries piled on green trees as a summer location doubles as a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
If these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience rests upon the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. It provides a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
This level of success does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The tone shifts uneasily between emotional depth, broad humor, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the humiliating and funny required by the unusual premise. He brings a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, particularly when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains an excellent dog.)
The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, considering the dog is easily the best part of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split might seem more adult and realistic with less exposition and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story with this canine conflict is not terrible – though it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.
