It is a widely held belief for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such situations prevent former couples from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – pet parents speak of their profound sensitivity. If you need standout portrayal in canine melancholy, consider a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to split households. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on this conflict is sustainable remains a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the ambitions are modest. The narrative unfolds as uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will presumably realize the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries piled on verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
If these standard ingredients come together into a pleasant experience hinges on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness does not extend for the romantic plot. The tone wavers between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master a single genre. This is not Cox's performance, who is fully game the absurd and awkward inherent in the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna can feel a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, the canine performer is convincing at looking despondent – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, considering the dog is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The reason for the split could have been more adult and realistic with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, hitting all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict is not terrible – even if it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video this December.
