This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that jointly caring for a pet following a split is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such setups prevent individuals from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the mental health of animals – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. For a prime example in pet despair, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adapting to divided living arrangements. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on such a setup holds water is debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. Its storyline unfolds as simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – featuring familiar faces – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look is reminiscent of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
How these standard ingredients coalesce into something enjoyable depends on the actors' work and an acceptance of easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for pet content. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the canine star, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise cannot be applied for the human side of the story. Its style wavers between emotional depth, broad humor, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, failing to master a single genre. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the bizarre setting. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a bit too dry, especially when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to add substance to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since the title character is by far the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling every expected note. Creating a movie with this canine conflict is not terrible – but I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
