It is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements hinder ex-partners from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. As it turns out, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to become depressed.
While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall a past film. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation holds water seems debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and directed by director Swale, never aspires to be deeper than a light film. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the complexity are modest. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – featuring familiar faces – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – think obvious snow effects surrounding lush pines as a summer location substitutes for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
How these standard ingredients merge into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who browse regularly for cute animal clips. It provides a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and while this leads to some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is fully game the silliness and cringe inherent in the unusual premise. He brings a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, especially when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to give weight to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, given that the title character is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their original breakup could have been more nuanced with less exposition and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – even if I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
