It is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a canine companion post-separation is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such setups prevent individuals from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying for all parties. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to become depressed.
Not to downplay the inner life of our pets – many owners attest to their remarkable empathy. For a standout portrayal in pet despair, consider recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would struggle adjusting to split households. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on this conflict works effectively seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth are modest. The narrative proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries clinging to verdant foliage as a warm climate stands in for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these standard ingredients merge into something enjoyable depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the canine star, and even if it causes some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style vacillates between emotional depth, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal comes across as a little too aloof, notably when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages acting depressed – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to add substance to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, since Merv is by far the cutest element of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The cause for their original breakup might seem more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – but it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.
