This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such situations impede individuals from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. As it turns out, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – countless people speak of their remarkable empathy. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, consider recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult coping with divided living arrangements. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance around this situation holds water remains rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. We have here a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity are modest. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic has the quality of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – think obvious snow effects clinging to green trees as a warm climate doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
If these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch hinges on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who browse regularly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between relationship drama, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is fully game the absurd and awkward required by the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna comes across as a little too aloof, especially when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Merv himself manages acting depressed – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a very good boy.)
The story strives to provide depth to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, considering the dog is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation might seem more nuanced with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, hitting all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – but it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
