This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such setups impede ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying for all parties. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Without minimizing the inner life of dogs – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adapting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a full holiday film on such a setup is sustainable remains a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. It functions as a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will presumably realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – think flurries piled on lush pines as a warm climate stands in for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
If these familiar elements coalesce into something enjoyable hinges on the execution and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for dog videos. It provides a series of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, pet moping, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success is not earned for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, not quite landing any one mode. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the unusual premise. He brings a endearing lack of ego that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a little too aloof, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to add substance to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, since the dog is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split could have been more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film with this canine conflict is not terrible – but I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
