This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is ill-advised. Most will argue such setups prevent individuals from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying for everyone involved. Apparently, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to become depressed.
Not to downplay the mental health of animals – many owners speak of their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in pet despair, simply recall recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on this conflict holds water seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. The plot proves to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as the usual assortment of types. Visually has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – think flurries piled on verdant foliage as a warm climate doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
How these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch depends on the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a plethora of adorable dog montages. The central draw is Merv himself, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, pet moping, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. The tone vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a single genre. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a very good boy.)
The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, considering the dog is by far the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their original breakup would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise has potential – even if it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform this December.
