This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such setups impede individuals from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.
Not to downplay the inner life of animals – many owners attest to their remarkable empathy. For a masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult coping with divided living arrangements. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation is sustainable seems rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – featuring familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – exemplified by fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements coalesce into a pleasant experience rests upon the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who scroll endlessly for pet content. The film delivers a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a touch too detached, particularly when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, the canine performer succeeds in flopping and whining – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains an excellent dog.)
The story strives to give weight to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, given that the title character is by far the cutest element of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie with this canine conflict is not terrible – though it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video on December 10th.
