It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a canine companion after a breakup is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such arrangements prevent individuals from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying for everyone involved. Seemingly, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would struggle coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film on such a setup is sustainable is debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than what it is. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. The narrative unfolds as simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will surely realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring a group of comedic actors – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
How these predictable parts coalesce into something enjoyable rests upon the actors' work and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who scroll endlessly for pet content. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some clunky cuts between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, in the end, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style wavers between emotional depth, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the silliness and cringe required by the unusual premise. He brings a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. The character comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, the canine performer is convincing at flopping and whining – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, given that the title character is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The cause for their original breakup would feel more grounded and mature with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video this December.
