It is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations impede individuals from healing, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Seemingly, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents attest to their remarkable empathy. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, consider another performance. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on this conflict works effectively remains rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth are modest. The plot proves to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will surely realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these standard ingredients merge into something enjoyable depends on the execution and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the canine star, and though it results in some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success is not earned for the human side of the story. Its style vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to a single genre. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna comes across as a touch too detached, especially when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself succeeds in flopping and whining – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a very good boy.)
Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, considering the dog is easily the cutest element 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. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting every expected note. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise has potential – though it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
