This is a widely held belief among many that jointly caring for a canine companion after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements hinder ex-partners from finding closure, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to become depressed.
While respecting the mental health of dogs – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. For a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, consider another performance. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time coping with split households. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on such a setup is sustainable is a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity are modest. The narrative unfolds as simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will presumably realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look is reminiscent of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries surrounding lush pines as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
If these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch rests upon the actors' work and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is Merv himself, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny required by the unusual premise. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a touch too detached, especially when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Gus the Dog is convincing at acting depressed – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The story strives to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, since the dog is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their separation might seem more adult and realistic with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict has potential – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video this December.
