This is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is a terrible idea. Most will argue such situations hinder ex-partners from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Without minimizing the inner life of our pets – countless people speak of their deep emotional capacity. If you need standout portrayal in canine melancholy, consider recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by Gus the Dog, would struggle adapting to split households. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on this conflict is sustainable remains rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, written by the writing duo and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow surrounding lush pines as a summer location substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these predictable parts merge into something enjoyable depends on the execution and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who scroll endlessly for pet content. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, pet moping, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style shifts uneasily between emotional depth, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is fully game the absurd and awkward inherent in the unusual premise. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a touch too detached, particularly when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, considering the title character is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The cause for the split might seem more grounded and mature with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – though it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform this December.
