This is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a canine companion after a breakup is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements hinder ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating across the board. Apparently, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Not to downplay the inner life of our pets – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog portrayed by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adapting to split households. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on such a setup works effectively remains debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. Its storyline proves to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – including a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding lush pines as North Carolina doubles as a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
How these predictable parts coalesce into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, dog depression, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the human side of the story. Its style wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is fully game the humiliating and funny inherent in the unusual premise. He brings a charming humility that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. The character comes across as a bit too dry, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog succeeds in looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to provide depth to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more grounded and mature with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling every expected note. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – even if I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
