This is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion post-separation is ill-advised. Most will argue such arrangements hinder ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. As it turns out, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people observe their remarkable empathy. For a masterclass in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would struggle coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on such a setup works effectively remains debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and helmed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than its premise. It functions as a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth are modest. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will surely realize the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – including a group of comedic actors – serve as the usual assortment of types. The film's look carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
How these standard ingredients coalesce into a pleasant experience depends on the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise is not earned for the romantic plot. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a consistent feel. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the silliness and cringe inherent in the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a charming humility that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, notably when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, the canine performer manages looking despondent – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The film attempts to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, given that Merv is easily the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more adult and realistic with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, hitting every expected note. Making a film with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video this December.
