It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such arrangements hinder former couples from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. As it turns out, as a development suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of animals – many owners attest to their remarkable empathy. If you need masterclass in pet despair, simply recall a past film. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adjusting to split households. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on this conflict is sustainable seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth is limited. The narrative unfolds as simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in flurries clinging to green trees as a summer location substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
How these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – those people who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The tone vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a single genre. This is not Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward inherent in the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal comes across as a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, considering Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their original breakup might seem more nuanced with less exposition and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Making a film on this shared-custody premise has potential – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.
