This is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a canine companion after a breakup is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such situations hinder former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance across the board. As it turns out, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – countless people attest to their remarkable empathy. If you need standout portrayal in pet despair, consider another performance. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would struggle coping with split households. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on this conflict holds water seems debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than what it is. This is a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – played by a group of comedic actors – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – think fake snow surrounding verdant foliage as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements coalesce into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and people's faces, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, dog depression, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The tone shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the silliness and cringe required by the dog resort scenario. He brings a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a touch too detached, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at acting depressed – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, given that Merv is by far the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation would feel more nuanced with less exposition and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – but it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
