This is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog following a split is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations hinder individuals from finding closure, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – pet parents speak of their deep emotional capacity. To witness a standout portrayal in pet despair, simply recall recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to split households. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation is sustainable remains rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than a light film. We have here a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the complexity are modest. The narrative is destined to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in flurries surrounding lush pines as North Carolina stands in for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these familiar elements merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success is not earned for the romantic plot. The tone vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, not quite landing a single genre. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is fully game the absurd and awkward inherent in the unusual premise. He brings a endearing lack of ego that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, notably when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog succeeds in acting depressed – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a very good boy.)
The story strives to provide depth to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, since the dog is by far the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for the split might seem more grounded and mature with less exposition and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict has potential – but it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video this December.
