This is a widely held belief in certain circles that co-parenting a dog after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such setups impede individuals from healing, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for all parties. Seemingly, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to feel down.
While respecting the inner life of dogs – countless people observe their deep emotional capacity. For a masterclass in pet despair, simply recall recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on this conflict works effectively is rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity is limited. Its storyline proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – featuring familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. The film's look carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as a warm climate stands in for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these standard ingredients come together into a pleasant experience rests upon the execution and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – those people who browse regularly for pet content. The film delivers a plethora of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the canine star, and while this leads to some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise does not extend for the human side of the story. The tone wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to any one mode. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the dog resort scenario. He brings a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a little too aloof, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to give weight to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, given that the title character is easily the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The reason for the split might seem more adult and realistic with less exposition and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film with this canine conflict is not terrible – even if it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Prime Video this December.
