This is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations prevent individuals from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance across the board. Seemingly, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.
Without minimizing the inner life of dogs – countless people observe their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, consider recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on this conflict holds water seems a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than a light film. It functions as a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth is limited. The narrative proves to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will surely realize the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look carries the feel of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – as seen in fake snow piled on lush pines as a warm climate doubles as a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts coalesce into an entertaining watch hinges on the strength of the performances and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – those people who seek out for cute animal clips. The film delivers a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a single genre. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a little too aloof, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Gus the Dog succeeds in looking despondent – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, given that Merv is by far the cutest element of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their original breakup could have been more adult and realistic with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – though it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform this December.
