It is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such situations impede ex-partners from healing, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and become annoying for everyone involved. Seemingly, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.
While respecting the inner life of animals – many owners attest to their remarkable empathy. If you need masterclass in dog sorrow, one need only look a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on this conflict works effectively seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity are modest. Its storyline unfolds as simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (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 presumably rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – played by a group of comedic actors – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding lush pines as a warm climate stands in for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
How these predictable parts merge into something enjoyable hinges on the execution and one's taste for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who browse regularly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie does offer canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The tone vacillates between relationship drama, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is fully game the absurd and awkward required by the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a charming humility that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal seems a touch too detached, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Merv himself is convincing at acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, since Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – even if it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.
