This is a widely held belief for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet following a split is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such situations hinder individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to become depressed.
While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – many owners speak of their remarkable empathy. If you need standout portrayal in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type played by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water remains debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity is limited. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will surely realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. The film's look carries the feel of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to green trees as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these standard ingredients coalesce into an entertaining watch rests upon the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – those people who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master a single genre. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward inherent in the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, especially when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their separation could have been more nuanced with more screen time and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – even if I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.
