It is a widely held belief in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such setups impede former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the inner life of animals – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. For a masterclass in pet despair, one need only look recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog played by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively is rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than a light film. This is a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. The narrative is destined to be straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will surely realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to green trees as a warm climate doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
If these familiar elements come together into something enjoyable rests upon the strength of the performances and one's taste for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some awkward editing between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie does offer walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. Its style shifts uneasily between serious study, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and physical comedy, failing to master any one mode. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The film attempts to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, considering the title character is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup might seem more grounded and mature with less exposition and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict has potential – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.
