This is a widely held belief for numerous people that jointly caring for a canine companion after a breakup is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such situations hinder former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying for everyone involved. As it turns out, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.
While respecting the mental health of dogs – many owners attest to their deep emotional capacity. For a masterclass in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by Gus the Dog, would struggle adapting to life in two homes. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation holds water remains debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires 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 is destined to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – played by familiar faces – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by fake snow clinging to lush pines as North Carolina substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
If these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience depends on the actors' work and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, not quite landing any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny required by the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, notably when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Merv himself succeeds in flopping and whining – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, given that the title character is by far the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for the split would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling every expected note. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – though I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
