It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements hinder former couples from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. As it turns out, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the mental health of dogs – countless people speak of their remarkable empathy. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, 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 adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film on such a setup is sustainable is rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than its premise. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – including a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look is reminiscent of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects piled on lush pines as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
If these standard ingredients merge into something enjoyable rests upon the actors' work and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who browse regularly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and even if it causes some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness is not earned for the interpersonal drama. Its style vacillates between relationship drama, broad humor, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master a single genre. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that offers much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. The character can feel a little too aloof, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, the canine performer manages acting depressed – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more grounded and mature with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict is not terrible – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
