It is a widely held belief for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such situations hinder former couples from healing, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and become annoying for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
While respecting the inner life of dogs – many owners speak of their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in pet despair, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water is rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and under the guidance of director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than what it is. This is a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the ambitions remains surface-level. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Side characters – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects piled on lush pines as a summer location stands in for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
How these predictable parts coalesce into something enjoyable hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who seek out for pet content. The film delivers a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the dog, and while this leads to some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a single genre. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the unusual premise. He brings a charming humility that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, especially when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, given that the dog is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for the split might seem more grounded and mature with less exposition and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – even if it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
