This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion following a split is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such situations impede former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for all parties. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to feel down.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents speak of their remarkable empathy. For a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, consider recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance around this situation is sustainable is debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than its premise. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth remains surface-level. The plot is destined to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by flurries clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for dog videos. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the dog, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. The tone shifts uneasily between emotional depth, broad humor, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna can feel a touch too detached, notably when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, given that the title character is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their separation could have been more nuanced with more screen time and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict is not terrible – even if it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
