It is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is a terrible idea. Most will argue such situations hinder ex-partners from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating across the board. As it turns out, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to become depressed.
While respecting the inner life of animals – countless people speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, consider recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog played by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on this conflict holds water remains a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth are modest. Its storyline proves to be uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look has the quality of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – think obvious snow effects piled on lush pines as a warm climate stands in for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these standard ingredients coalesce into an entertaining watch depends on the execution and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for pet content. Audiences receive a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and while this leads to some stilted moments between animal action and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, pet moping, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success is not earned for the romantic plot. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, broad humor, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, failing to master any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the humiliating and funny inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna can feel a little too aloof, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more grounded and mature with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.
