This is a widely held belief among many that jointly caring for a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in dog sorrow, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on such a setup is sustainable remains debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by its screenwriters and helmed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than a light film. It functions as a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will presumably realize the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – featuring a group of comedic actors – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – think fake snow clinging to lush pines as a summer location doubles as a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these familiar elements coalesce into a pleasant experience hinges on the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who browse regularly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and even if it causes some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style vacillates between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal comes across as a little too aloof, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)
Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is easily the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split might seem more nuanced with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting every expected note. Creating a movie with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv streams on Prime Video on December 10th.
