It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that jointly caring for a canine companion following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements prevent former couples from moving forward, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for all parties. Seemingly, as a development suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. If you need standout portrayal in pet despair, simply recall recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on this conflict holds water is rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than its premise. This is a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the complexity remains surface-level. The narrative unfolds as straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – as seen in flurries clinging to lush pines as a summer location substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
How these familiar elements merge into something enjoyable rests upon the actors' work and an acceptance of comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who browse regularly for cute animal clips. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and while this leads to some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The tone vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward required by the dog resort scenario. He brings a charming humility that offers much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The story strives to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, since the title character is by far the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation would feel more adult and realistic with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – but it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.
