It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such setups impede ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to feel down.
Without minimizing the inner life of our pets – many owners speak of their deep emotional capacity. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall a past film. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adapting to split households. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom around this situation works effectively seems rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by director Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. This is a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth remains surface-level. The narrative proves to be simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. 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 surrounding green trees as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these standard ingredients coalesce into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for pet content. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise cannot be applied for the romantic plot. Its style vacillates between serious study, broad humor, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her Anna can feel a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself is convincing at acting depressed – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a very good boy.)
The film attempts to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, given that the title character is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for the split would feel more grounded and mature with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie with this canine conflict is not terrible – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Prime Video this December.
