It is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups prevent ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.
While respecting the inner life of dogs – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, simply recall a past film. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on this conflict is sustainable is a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. It functions as a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity remains surface-level. The plot proves to be simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – exemplified by flurries surrounding lush pines as a summer location substitutes for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
How these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience hinges on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who scroll endlessly for pet content. Audiences receive a plethora of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
This level of success is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. His performance contains a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal comes across as a touch too detached, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, the canine performer manages flopping and whining – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The story strives to provide depth to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, given that Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their original breakup would feel more grounded and mature with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – even if it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.
