This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion after a breakup is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such situations prevent ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to become depressed.
Not to downplay the inner life of animals – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. If you need prime example in canine melancholy, consider another performance. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adapting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable is debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the depth remains surface-level. The narrative 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. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look is reminiscent of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – exemplified by fake snow piled on verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
How these familiar elements merge into something enjoyable depends on the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for pet content. It provides a series of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, pet moping, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, failing to master a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe demanded of the unusual premise. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, especially when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to provide depth to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, since the dog is by far the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The reason for their original breakup could have been more grounded and mature with less exposition and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – even if it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.
