It is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a canine companion after a breakup is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such setups impede former couples from moving forward, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and become annoying for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to become depressed.
Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – many owners speak of their deep emotional capacity. To witness a masterclass 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 have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance around this situation is sustainable is rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the ambitions are modest. The narrative is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – including a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look has the quality of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to verdant foliage as North Carolina substitutes for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – those people who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and while this leads to some stilted moments between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, in the end, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe inherent in the unusual premise. He brings a charming humility that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a little too aloof, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, since Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation would feel more nuanced with more screen time and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – even if it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Prime Video on December 10th.
