This is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion following a split is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such setups hinder individuals from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of animals – countless people speak of their deep emotional capacity. To witness a masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on this conflict holds water seems rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. The narrative proves to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – including a group of comedic actors – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – think obvious snow effects piled on lush pines as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
How these standard ingredients coalesce into a pleasant experience rests upon the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who browse regularly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, pet moping, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The tone shifts uneasily between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. This is not Charlie Cox, who is fully game the humiliating and funny required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, particularly when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, the canine performer is convincing at flopping and whining – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, since the title character is undoubtedly the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – though it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
