This is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups hinder individuals from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and are a nuisance across the board. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of our pets – pet parents speak of their deep emotional capacity. If you need standout portrayal in pet despair, consider another performance. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adjusting to split households. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance around this situation is sustainable seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than a light film. This is a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity is limited. The narrative unfolds as simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – played by a group of comedic actors – serve as the usual assortment of types. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these familiar elements coalesce into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the canine star, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness does not extend for the romantic plot. The tone vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, failing to master any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a touch too detached, notably when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer manages flopping and whining – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, since the dog is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The cause for the split might seem more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – but it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform this December.
