It is a widely held belief for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such arrangements impede former couples from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.
While respecting the inner life of our pets – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. For a masterclass in dog sorrow, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on this conflict holds water is rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by director Swale, never aspires to be deeper than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. The narrative unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow surrounding verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
If these familiar elements come together into something enjoyable rests upon the actors' work and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the canine star, and while this leads to some stilted moments between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise does not extend for the human side of the story. The tone shifts uneasily between relationship drama, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, failing to master a single genre. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages looking despondent – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to add substance to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their original breakup might seem more adult and realistic with less exposition and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – though it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.
