It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is ill-advised. Most will argue such arrangements prevent former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying for everyone involved. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the mental health of dogs – countless people speak of their deep emotional capacity. To witness a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult coping with divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on this conflict holds water remains a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than its premise. This is a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the ambitions is limited. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – featuring a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – think obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
How these familiar elements merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who scroll endlessly for dog videos. The film delivers a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach vacillates between serious study, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, failing to master any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the unusual premise. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her Anna comes across as a touch too detached, notably when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, the canine performer is convincing at looking despondent – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, since the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The cause for the split might seem more grounded and mature with less exposition and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Making a film with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
