It is a widely held belief in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such setups hinder ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – many owners observe their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look a past film. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time coping with life in two homes. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water is a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than its premise. It functions as a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions is limited. The narrative unfolds as simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects clinging to green trees as a warm climate stands in for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these standard ingredients come together into something enjoyable rests upon the actors' work and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. It provides a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the canine star, and though it results in some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The tone vacillates between emotional depth, broad humor, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a consistent feel. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny required by the dog resort scenario. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a bit too dry, notably when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Merv himself succeeds in flopping and whining – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to add substance to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since Merv is easily the best part of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – though it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video on December 10th.
