This is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such situations impede ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating across the board. As it turns out, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the inner life of animals – countless people observe their deep emotional capacity. For a standout portrayal in pet despair, consider another performance. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on this conflict is sustainable seems debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. This is a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth are modest. The narrative proves to be uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects piled on green trees as a warm climate doubles as a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
How these standard ingredients coalesce into an entertaining watch rests upon the execution and one's taste for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and even if it causes some stilted moments between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, not quite landing any one mode. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the unusual premise. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. The character can feel a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Merv himself manages looking despondent – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to add substance to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting is not terrible – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video this December.
