This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is ill-advised. Most will argue such arrangements hinder individuals from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. Seemingly, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in dog sorrow, consider another performance. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation holds water is debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by director Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the depth are modest. The plot proves to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – featuring familiar faces – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as a summer location substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
If these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience rests upon the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for pet content. The film delivers a series of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the dog, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie does offer walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style vacillates between emotional depth, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, not quite landing a single genre. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the humiliating and funny inherent in the unusual premise. He brings a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna can feel a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Gus the Dog manages flopping and whining – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a very good boy.)
Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is undoubtedly the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split might seem more grounded and mature with more screen time and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – even if it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
