It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such situations prevent ex-partners from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – countless people attest to their remarkable empathy. To witness a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, consider a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation works effectively remains a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. The plot is destined to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic has the quality of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – exemplified by obvious snow effects piled on green trees as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
If these familiar elements coalesce into an entertaining watch rests upon the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – those people who browse regularly for pet content. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the canine star, and while this leads to some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie does offer walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. Its style shifts uneasily between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and silly gags, not quite landing a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her Anna can feel a touch too detached, particularly when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself is convincing at acting depressed – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to give weight to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, given that Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for the split might seem more nuanced with less exposition and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video this December.
