This is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups impede ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.
While respecting the inner life of dogs – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. If you need prime example in pet despair, simply recall another performance. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time coping with split households. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively is rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, written by its screenwriters and directed by director 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 is limited. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually has the quality of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by fake snow surrounding lush pines as North Carolina doubles as a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch hinges on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who seek out for dog videos. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The central draw is Merv himself, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, pet moping, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Human Element
This level of success cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, failing to master a single genre. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is fully game the silliness and cringe required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a charming humility that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna can feel a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog succeeds in looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to give weight to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, given that the dog is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their separation might seem more adult and realistic with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – even if I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
