This is a widely held belief in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such situations hinder ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying for everyone involved. As it turns out, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – pet parents speak of their deep emotional capacity. If you need standout portrayal in dog sorrow, consider a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type played by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on such a setup holds water remains a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than what it is. We have here a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth is limited. The narrative proves to be simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in obvious snow effects piled on green trees as a summer location substitutes for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
If these standard ingredients come together into something enjoyable rests upon the execution and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who scroll endlessly for pet content. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
This level of success does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach vacillates between emotional depth, broad humor, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a single genre. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits 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 be to your taste or not. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, since the title character is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their separation might seem more nuanced with less exposition and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
