This is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such setups impede ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for all parties. Seemingly, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to become depressed.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, consider a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would struggle adapting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a full holiday film on such a setup works effectively is rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than a light film. It functions as a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions is limited. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – as seen in flurries piled on lush pines as North Carolina substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
If these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – the kind who scroll endlessly for pet content. Audiences receive a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the canine star, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, pet moping, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The film's approach vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, not quite landing a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that provides much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a touch too detached, notably when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog succeeds in looking despondent – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a very good boy.)
The story strives to provide depth to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, since the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
