This is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such setups prevent former couples from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. As it turns out, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
While respecting the mental health of dogs – countless people observe their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in dog sorrow, consider another performance. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would struggle adapting to divided living arrangements. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on such a setup works effectively remains debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. We have here a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the complexity remains surface-level. The narrative unfolds as simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – including a group of comedic actors – serve as the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – think fake snow clinging to green trees as a warm climate doubles as a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these standard ingredients coalesce into a pleasant experience hinges on the strength of the performances and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who scroll endlessly for dog videos. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. Its style shifts uneasily between serious study, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the unusual premise. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a bit too dry, particularly when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, the canine performer succeeds in flopping and whining – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still an excellent dog.)
The story strives to give weight to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, given that Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for the split would feel more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video this December.
