This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups hinder former couples from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. Seemingly, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents speak of their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in dog sorrow, simply recall recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on this conflict is sustainable seems debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions remains surface-level. The plot is destined to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look has the quality of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – think obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as North Carolina stands in for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these standard ingredients come together into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and while this leads to some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie does offer walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna can feel a little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer manages looking despondent – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, given that the title character is easily the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The reason for their original breakup might seem more nuanced with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – even if it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
