It is a common warning among many that sharing custody a canine companion after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups prevent former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying for everyone involved. As it turns out, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to feel down.
Not to downplay the mental health of dogs – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable seems a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than what it is. This is a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. The narrative unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – including a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look has the quality of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – as seen in flurries surrounding lush pines as a warm climate doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
How these predictable parts coalesce into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who seek out for cute animal clips. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the dog, and while this leads to some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie does offer dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, not quite landing a consistent feel. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna can feel a little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages acting depressed – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, given that the dog is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their separation would feel more nuanced with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – but I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
