It is a widely held belief among many that co-parenting a dog after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such setups prevent former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance across the board. As it turns out, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, consider a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to split households. If this concept a feature-length romcom on this conflict is sustainable is debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, written by the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, never aspires to be anything more than its premise. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the complexity remains surface-level. Its storyline unfolds as straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects clinging to verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
If these predictable parts coalesce into something enjoyable rests upon the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who browse regularly for pet content. Audiences receive a plethora of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness is not earned for the romantic plot. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the absurd and awkward inherent in the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a charming humility that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. The character seems a little too aloof, particularly when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, the canine performer is convincing at looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)
The story strives to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, given that the title character is by far the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their separation might seem more nuanced with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Prime Video this December.
