This is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog following a split is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and are a nuisance across the board. Seemingly, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to become depressed.
Without minimizing the mental health of dogs – pet parents attest to their profound sensitivity. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, simply recall a past film. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation works effectively is a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, written by its screenwriters and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the ambitions is limited. The plot proves to be straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – think fake snow clinging to green trees as North Carolina substitutes for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these standard ingredients come together into something enjoyable depends on the execution and one's taste for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who browse regularly for cute animal clips. It provides a plethora of adorable dog montages. The central draw is Merv himself, and even if it causes some awkward editing between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness does not extend for the romantic plot. The tone wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the unusual premise. He brings a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Merv himself manages looking despondent – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The cause for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story with this canine conflict is not terrible – even if it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
