It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a canine companion after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such setups impede individuals from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. As it turns out, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.
While respecting the mental health of dogs – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time coping with life in two homes. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation holds water remains rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than a light film. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity remains surface-level. Its storyline proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – featuring a group of comedic actors – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by fake snow surrounding green trees as North Carolina substitutes for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
How these familiar elements merge into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for pet content. The film delivers a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise cannot be applied for the romantic plot. Its style wavers between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and silly gags, not quite landing a single genre. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the humiliating and funny required by the dog resort scenario. He brings a endearing lack of ego that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna can feel a bit too dry, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, the canine performer manages looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to add substance to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since the dog is undoubtedly the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for the split would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – though I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
