It is a widely held belief for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups prevent ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adapting to divided living arrangements. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on such a setup works effectively remains rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth are modest. The narrative proves to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – including a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in flurries surrounding green trees as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
How these standard ingredients merge into a pleasant experience depends on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer dog beach fun, pet moping, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between emotional depth, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, not quite landing any one mode. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a very good boy.)
Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, since Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their separation would feel more nuanced with less exposition and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – but it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform this December.
