It is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is a terrible idea. Most will argue such setups hinder individuals from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and become annoying for everyone involved. Apparently, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of dogs – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. To witness a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, simply recall recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adapting to split households. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation is sustainable seems rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and helmed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than what it is. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the complexity remains surface-level. The plot is destined to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – played by a group of comedic actors – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look has the quality of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects clinging to green trees as a summer location substitutes for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these predictable parts coalesce into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and an acceptance of easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – those people who browse regularly for pet content. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness is not earned for the romantic plot. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, not quite landing a single genre. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is fully game the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal can feel a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, given that the title character is by far the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their separation would feel more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise has potential – even if it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
