It is a widely held belief among many that jointly caring for a canine companion following a split is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such setups prevent former couples from finding closure, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for all parties. Apparently, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to become depressed.
Without minimizing the mental health of dogs – many owners speak of their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in dog sorrow, consider another performance. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adapting to split households. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance around this situation is sustainable is rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, written by the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than its premise. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. The plot proves to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries clinging to verdant foliage as a warm climate doubles as a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
How these predictable parts coalesce into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and one's taste for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who browse regularly for pet content. Audiences receive a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success does not extend for the human side of the story. The film's approach vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master a single genre. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to give weight to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, since the dog is by far the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The cause for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling every expected note. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise has potential – even if I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.
