This is a widely held belief in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such situations hinder ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and become annoying for everyone involved. As it turns out, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in pet despair, consider another performance. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adapting to split households. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on such a setup works effectively remains debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the ambitions remains surface-level. Its storyline unfolds as simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – think obvious snow effects clinging to green trees as a summer location substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience hinges on the actors' work and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who browse regularly for pet content. Audiences receive a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the canine star, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, in the end, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The film's approach shifts uneasily between relationship drama, broad humor, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna seems a touch too detached, particularly when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)
The story strives to provide depth to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is by far the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with less exposition and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict has potential – but it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
