It is a widely held belief among many that jointly caring for a pet following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such situations hinder former couples from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and prove frustrating across the board. Apparently, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to become depressed.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – many owners attest to their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on such a setup is sustainable remains rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the complexity are modest. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – think fake snow clinging to green trees as a summer location doubles as a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – those people who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style wavers between relationship drama, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward required by the unusual premise. He brings a likable self-deprecation that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal comes across as a little too aloof, notably when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a very good boy.)
The story strives to provide depth to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, since Merv is undoubtedly the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, hitting all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – though it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.
