It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such situations prevent ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – many owners speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in pet despair, simply recall another performance. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom around this situation works effectively is debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by its screenwriters and directed by director Swale, never aspires to be deeper than a light film. It functions as a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth is limited. The plot proves to be simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – played by familiar faces – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – think flurries clinging to lush pines as a warm climate stands in for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
If these familiar elements coalesce into an entertaining watch rests upon the strength of the performances and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who seek out for cute animal clips. The film delivers a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some clunky cuts between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success cannot be applied for the romantic plot. Its style wavers between serious study, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is fully game the humiliating and funny inherent in the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, the canine performer is convincing at acting depressed – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to give weight to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The cause for the split could have been more grounded and mature with less exposition and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – but it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.
