It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such situations hinder individuals from finding closure, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and prove frustrating across the board. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – countless people observe their deep emotional capacity. If you need standout portrayal in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to split households. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation is sustainable seems a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than its premise. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. The plot proves to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – exemplified by fake snow surrounding green trees as a summer location stands in for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these standard ingredients merge into something enjoyable hinges on the strength of the performances and one's taste for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – individuals who browse regularly for cute animal clips. It provides a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie does offer canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
This level of success cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The tone vacillates between emotional depth, broad humor, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is fully game the absurd and awkward inherent in the unusual premise. His performance contains a charming humility that provides much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. The character seems a touch too detached, notably when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages flopping and whining – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to add substance to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, given that Merv is by far the best part of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split might seem more nuanced with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict is not terrible – even if it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
