It is a widely held belief among many that jointly caring for a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such situations hinder individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to feel down.
While respecting the mental health of dogs – pet parents attest to their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would struggle adapting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable remains rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by director Swale, never aspires to be more profound than its premise. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth remains surface-level. Its storyline proves to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will presumably realize the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – including familiar faces – serve as the usual assortment of types. Visually has the quality of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – exemplified by fake snow clinging to green trees as a summer location substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements coalesce into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who browse regularly for pet content. Audiences receive a plethora of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, pet moping, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise is not earned for the human side of the story. Its style vacillates between relationship drama, broad humor, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master a single genre. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the unusual premise. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, notably when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, the canine performer succeeds in flopping and whining – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a very good boy.)
Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, given that the title character is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for the split could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story with this canine conflict is not terrible – though it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.
