This is a widely held belief in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements impede former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying for all parties. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.
While respecting the inner life of animals – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in canine melancholy, consider a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on such a setup holds water remains a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – including a group of comedic actors – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look is reminiscent of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – think flurries clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these predictable parts coalesce into something enjoyable depends on the actors' work and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Human Element
This level of success does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between relationship drama, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that supplies much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna comes across as a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Gus the Dog succeeds in acting depressed – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely 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 title character is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split might seem more grounded and mature with more screen time and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting every expected note. Creating a movie with this canine conflict has potential – even if I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.
