It is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements hinder ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the mental health of animals – pet parents speak of their remarkable empathy. If you need standout portrayal in canine melancholy, consider another performance. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult coping with divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom on this conflict holds water is rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, written by its screenwriters and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the depth is limited. The plot proves to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow clinging to green trees as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
If these predictable parts coalesce into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – the kind who browse regularly for pet content. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer dog beach fun, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach vacillates between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, not quite landing a single genre. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny inherent in the unusual premise. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a touch too detached, notably when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Merv himself is convincing at looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, given that the dog is easily the best part of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split could have been more grounded and mature with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict is not terrible – though it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
