It is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a canine companion following a split is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such setups impede former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating across the board. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the mental health of animals – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. If you need standout portrayal in pet despair, one need only look recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adapting to split households. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water is a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. This is a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. The narrative proves to be straightforward: 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 uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in flurries piled on lush pines as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these predictable parts coalesce into something enjoyable rests upon the execution and an acceptance of comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who scroll endlessly for pet content. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the canine star, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the humiliating and funny demanded of the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character comes across as a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, the canine performer is convincing at flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to add substance to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since the dog is undoubtedly the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The cause for their original breakup might seem more grounded and mature with more screen time and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict has potential – though it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.
