It is a widely held belief among many that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede ex-partners from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. As it turns out, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.
While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – pet parents speak of their profound sensitivity. For a masterclass in dog sorrow, one need only look a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog portrayed by Gus the Dog, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film on this conflict works effectively remains a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and helmed by director Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than a light film. We have here a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity are modest. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – including familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding lush pines as a warm climate doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
If these familiar elements merge into something enjoyable depends on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a series of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, pet moping, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success cannot be applied for the romantic plot. Its style shifts uneasily between emotional depth, broad humor, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, not quite landing any one mode. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna comes across as a bit too dry, notably when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)
Merv tries to add substance to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, hitting all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Prime Video on December 10th.
