It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements impede ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to feel down.
Without minimizing the inner life of animals – countless people attest to their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in canine melancholy, one need only look another performance. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time coping with divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom around this situation works effectively remains a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the complexity are modest. The narrative proves to be uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – including familiar faces – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – think flurries surrounding lush pines as North Carolina doubles as a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these standard ingredients come together into something enjoyable hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the canine star, and while this leads to some awkward editing between animal action and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal seems a touch too detached, notably when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Gus the Dog succeeds in looking despondent – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a very good boy.)
The film attempts to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, given that Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split could have been more nuanced with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting every expected note. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video this December.
