It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such arrangements impede ex-partners from finding closure, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Seemingly, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to experience sadness.
While respecting the inner life of animals – pet parents attest to their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, consider recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation holds water is debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the ambitions are modest. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as the usual assortment of types. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as North Carolina substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
How these predictable parts merge into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, never fully committing to any one mode. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the humiliating and funny required by the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, particularly when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, the canine performer manages acting depressed – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, considering Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The reason for their original breakup would feel more grounded and mature with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict is not terrible – but it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform this December.
