It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion after a breakup is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups hinder ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. As it turns out, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of animals – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look a past film. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to split households. If this concept a feature-length romcom on this conflict is sustainable is rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than its premise. This is a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. The plot proves to be straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – featuring a group of comedic actors – serve as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – think fake snow clinging to lush pines as North Carolina doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements coalesce into a pleasant experience depends on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the canine star, and while this leads to some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, pet moping, and, finally, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The tone shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master a single genre. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the bizarre setting. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. The character can feel a bit too dry, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself is convincing at flopping and whining – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a very good boy.)
Merv tries to add substance to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their original breakup would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict is not terrible – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video this December.
