This is a widely held belief for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such situations prevent former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to become depressed.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of our pets – countless people observe their deep emotional capacity. For a prime example in pet despair, one need only look another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on such a setup holds water is rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by director Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than its premise. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look has the quality of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – exemplified by flurries surrounding lush pines as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these standard ingredients coalesce into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between relationship drama, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is fully game the humiliating and funny required by the bizarre setting. He brings a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. The character seems a touch too detached, particularly when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself is convincing at acting depressed – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, since the dog is by far the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story with this canine conflict is not terrible – even if I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
