It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such setups prevent ex-partners from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and are a nuisance across the board. As it turns out, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.
While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – many owners attest to their deep emotional capacity. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, simply recall a past film. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom around this situation is sustainable remains rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, written by the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. The narrative proves to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually carries the feel of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects piled on lush pines as a warm climate stands in for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
How these familiar elements coalesce into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for pet content. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the canine star, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer canine party antics, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to any one mode. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the silliness and cringe required by the bizarre setting. He brings a likable self-deprecation that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, the canine performer manages acting depressed – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The cause for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – but it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.