This is a widely held belief among many that jointly caring for a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups hinder former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for all parties. Seemingly, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in canine melancholy, one need only look another performance. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adjusting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a full holiday film on this conflict works effectively is a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. It functions as a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity are modest. Its storyline unfolds as simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries surrounding verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
How these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – the kind who scroll endlessly for pet content. The film delivers a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and even if it causes some awkward editing between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between relationship drama, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. The character comes across as a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to give weight to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, considering the dog is easily the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – even if it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
