This is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a canine companion following a split is ill-advised. Most will argue such setups prevent former couples from finding closure, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and prove frustrating across the board. As it turns out, and in a twist 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 – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in dog sorrow, simply recall recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would struggle coping with split households. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation is sustainable is debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than its premise. This is a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity remains surface-level. The plot unfolds as straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look has the quality of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – exemplified by flurries clinging to lush pines as North Carolina substitutes for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
How these familiar elements coalesce into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, pet moping, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness does not extend for the romantic plot. The tone wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, failing to master any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, the canine performer is convincing at looking despondent – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, since Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with less exposition and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting every expected note. Crafting a story with this canine conflict is not terrible – even if it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video this December.
