This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements hinder former couples from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to feel down.
While respecting the mental health of our pets – many owners attest to their remarkable empathy. For a masterclass in dog sorrow, consider a past film. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable remains a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth is limited. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – as seen in flurries piled on verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
How these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch rests upon the execution and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie does offer dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the unusual premise. He brings a endearing lack of ego that supplies much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, particularly when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The film attempts to give weight to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, considering the title character is by far the best part of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for the split might seem more grounded and mature with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling every expected note. Crafting a story with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – even if I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform this December.
