This is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a canine companion after a breakup is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations prevent individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to feel down.
Without minimizing the inner life of dogs – pet parents speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, one need only look another performance. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult coping with split households. If this concept a feature-length romcom on this conflict works effectively seems rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than a light film. It functions as a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – think fake snow piled on green trees as a warm climate substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
How these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience rests upon the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who seek out for cute animal clips. The film delivers a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
This level of success cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between emotional depth, broad humor, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a bit too dry, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, the canine performer is convincing at acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to add substance to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering Merv is by far the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their separation could have been more nuanced with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict is not terrible – even if I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Prime Video this December.
