It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such situations hinder former couples from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, one need only look another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on this conflict works effectively seems a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. Its storyline proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in fake snow clinging to green trees as North Carolina substitutes for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these standard ingredients come together into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. It provides a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to any one mode. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the absurd and awkward inherent in the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal comes across as a bit too dry, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Merv himself is convincing at flopping and whining – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, since Merv is by far the best part of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their original breakup could have been more nuanced with less exposition and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, hitting every expected note. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – but it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
