This is a widely held belief in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such setups impede ex-partners from finding closure, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for all parties. Apparently, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.
Not to downplay the inner life of our pets – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in canine melancholy, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation holds water is a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, written by its screenwriters and directed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth are modest. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will surely realize the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – including a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by fake snow surrounding lush pines as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these standard ingredients coalesce into something enjoyable rests upon the strength of the performances and one's taste for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who seek out for pet content. It provides a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the dog, and while this leads to some stilted moments between animal action and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is fully game the humiliating and funny demanded of the dog resort scenario. He brings a endearing lack of ego that supplies much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal comes across as a touch too detached, notably when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, the canine performer is convincing at looking despondent – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, since the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting has potential – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform this December.
