It is a widely held belief for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such arrangements prevent individuals from healing, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and become annoying for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – many owners attest to their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would struggle coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on this conflict works effectively seems rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, written by its screenwriters and under the guidance of director Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than a light film. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. The narrative unfolds as straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by 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 realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – including a group of comedic actors – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – think flurries piled on lush pines as North Carolina stands in for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable hinges on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – the kind who scroll endlessly for pet content. Audiences receive a series of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the canine star, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, pet moping, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. Its style vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, failing to master a single genre. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny required by the unusual premise. He brings a charming humility that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal seems a touch too detached, notably when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Merv himself is convincing at flopping and whining – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to give weight to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, considering the dog is undoubtedly the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split might seem more adult and realistic with less exposition and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, hitting every expected note. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting has potential – even if I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.
