This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that jointly caring for a dog following a split is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such situations prevent former couples from finding closure, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and prove frustrating across the board. Apparently, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.
While respecting the inner life of animals – many owners observe their deep emotional capacity. For a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, one need only look recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adapting to life in two homes. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on this conflict holds water remains rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the ambitions is limited. The narrative unfolds as simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – including familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in flurries piled on lush pines as a summer location doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the canine star, and even if it causes some stilted moments between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success does not extend for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a consistent feel. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. The character can feel a touch too detached, notably when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages acting depressed – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a very good boy.)
The film attempts to add substance to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, considering the dog is easily the best part of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for the split might seem more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, hitting every expected note. Making a film on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – even if it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
