It is a widely held belief among many that jointly caring for a canine companion after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such arrangements impede ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – pet parents speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, consider recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adapting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom on this conflict works effectively is debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than its premise. This is a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the complexity remains surface-level. Its storyline unfolds as simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – think flurries surrounding verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
How these familiar elements coalesce into something enjoyable rests upon the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The tone shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, the canine performer manages flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, since the title character is easily the best part of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting is not terrible – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
