It is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a canine companion following a split is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements prevent individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying for everyone involved. As it turns out, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to become depressed.
While respecting the inner life of animals – pet parents speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a standout portrayal in pet despair, one need only look a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adapting to split households. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation is sustainable remains a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. This is a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. The narrative proves to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as a summer location substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these familiar elements merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for pet content. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the canine star, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The tone vacillates between emotional depth, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny required by the unusual premise. His performance contains a charming humility that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. The character comes across as a little too aloof, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, the canine performer is convincing at acting depressed – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, since Merv is easily the best part of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for the split would feel more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting every expected note. Creating a movie with this canine conflict is not terrible – though it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
