It is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is a terrible idea. Most will argue such setups impede individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying across the board. As it turns out, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
While respecting the mental health of dogs – countless people observe their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass 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 the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult coping with split households. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water is debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than what it is. This is a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions are modest. The narrative is destined to be straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding lush pines as North Carolina doubles as the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
How these standard ingredients merge into a pleasant experience rests upon the execution and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who seek out for dog videos. It provides a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness does not extend for the romantic plot. The tone vacillates between emotional depth, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and silly gags, not quite landing a single genre. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, the canine performer succeeds in acting depressed – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The story strives to add substance to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is by far the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for the split could have been more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform this December.
