This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations hinder individuals from finding closure, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for all parties. As it turns out, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to experience sadness.
While respecting the inner life of our pets – countless people speak of their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in pet despair, simply recall recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with split households. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation is sustainable is debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. This is a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – think flurries surrounding lush pines as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these familiar elements coalesce into an entertaining watch rests upon the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for dog videos. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie does offer dog beach fun, dog depression, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success is not earned for the human side of the story. The tone shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, failing to master any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is fully game the humiliating and funny demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her Anna can feel a touch too detached, notably when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, the canine performer is convincing at looking despondent – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to add substance to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, since Merv is easily the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – even if it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.