This is a widely held belief among many that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations impede former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. As it turns out, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – many owners observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look a past film. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom on this conflict is sustainable remains a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. It functions as a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the depth remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – featuring familiar faces – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in obvious snow effects clinging to green trees as North Carolina stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these familiar elements merge into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and while this leads to some awkward editing between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. The tone wavers between relationship drama, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, failing to master any one mode. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward inherent in the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, the canine performer is convincing at looking despondent – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering the title character is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation might seem more grounded and mature with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – even if I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
