It is a widely held belief among many that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such arrangements impede ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance across the board. As it turns out, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to experience sadness.
While respecting the mental health of our pets – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in pet despair, consider another performance. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adapting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on such a setup holds water remains a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than what it is. This is a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth remains surface-level. The plot proves to be straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will surely rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries surrounding green trees as North Carolina substitutes for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
How these standard ingredients come together into a pleasant experience rests upon the actors' work and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success is not earned for the human side of the story. Its style wavers between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, not quite landing a single genre. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is fully game the humiliating and funny required by the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her Anna comes across as a touch too detached, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Merv himself is convincing at acting depressed – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The story strives to give weight to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, given that Merv is undoubtedly the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their original breakup might seem more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict is not terrible – but I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.
