This is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying across the board. As it turns out, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners speak of their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to split households. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance around this situation holds water remains a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by director Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than a light film. It functions as a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will surely realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – think flurries piled on green trees as a warm climate doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
If these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – those people who browse regularly for pet content. Audiences receive a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The tone vacillates between emotional depth, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal seems a touch too detached, notably when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog manages acting depressed – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)
The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, considering the dog is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their original breakup would feel more adult and realistic with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting every expected note. Creating a movie with this canine conflict has potential – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.
