This is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a dog following a split is ill-advised. Most will argue such arrangements prevent ex-partners from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating across the board. Seemingly, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to feel down.
While respecting the mental health of dogs – pet parents attest to their profound sensitivity. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adapting to split households. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation is sustainable seems rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and under the guidance of director Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than its premise. It functions as a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the depth is limited. The narrative unfolds as straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – played by familiar faces – serve as the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – think flurries clinging to verdant foliage as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
How these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience hinges on the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for pet content. The film delivers a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie does offer walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, not quite landing a consistent feel. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that provides much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. The character seems a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, the canine performer is convincing at flopping and whining – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still an excellent dog.)
The story strives to provide depth to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting is not terrible – though it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video this December.
