It is a widely held belief for numerous people that co-parenting a canine companion after a breakup is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such situations hinder individuals from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and become annoying for all parties. Seemingly, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
Without minimizing the mental health of animals – pet parents speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, one need only look another performance. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would struggle coping with split households. If this concept a feature-length romcom on such a setup holds water is rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than a light film. We have here a holiday release from a corporate studio – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – including a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects piled on lush pines as North Carolina substitutes for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
How these predictable parts merge into something enjoyable depends on the execution and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for dog videos. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and people's faces, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The tone wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, not quite landing a single genre. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. He brings a endearing lack of ego that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a little too aloof, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a very good boy.)
The film attempts to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is by far the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The cause for their original breakup might seem more grounded and mature with less exposition and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting every expected note. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
