It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a canine companion after a breakup is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such setups hinder individuals from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and are a nuisance across the board. As it turns out, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to feel down.
Without minimizing the mental health of animals – many owners speak of their profound sensitivity. For a masterclass in pet despair, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would struggle coping with split households. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable is rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by director Swale, never aspires to be anything more than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries surrounding green trees as a warm climate substitutes for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these familiar elements coalesce into a pleasant experience hinges on the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie does offer canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. Its style vacillates between emotional depth, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a single genre. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is fully game the absurd and awkward required by the unusual premise. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself is convincing at acting depressed – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, since Merv is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their separation could have been more nuanced 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 has potential – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
