This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a canine companion following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede individuals from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and become annoying across the board. As it turns out, as a development suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the inner life of animals – countless people observe their deep emotional capacity. If you need standout portrayal in canine melancholy, one need only look a past film. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water remains a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. This is a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the depth is limited. Its storyline proves to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will surely realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – featuring a group of comedic actors – serve as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – think obvious snow effects piled on lush pines as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
If these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some clunky cuts between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie does offer canine party antics, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style vacillates between relationship drama, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a single genre. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself manages looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to provide depth to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering the dog is by far the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling every expected note. Creating a movie with this canine conflict is not terrible – but it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video this December.
