It is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a dog after a breakup is ill-advised. Most will argue such arrangements impede ex-partners from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to become depressed.
While respecting the mental health of our pets – pet parents speak of their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept a feature-length romcom on this conflict holds water seems debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a corporate studio – the complexity are modest. The narrative is destined to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – think obvious snow effects clinging to green trees as North Carolina substitutes for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
How these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience rests upon the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie does offer dog beach fun, pet moping, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style vacillates between serious study, broad humor, formulaic romance, and silly gags, not quite landing a consistent feel. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny required by the bizarre setting. He brings a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, since the title character is by far the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The reason for their original breakup might seem more grounded and mature with less exposition and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict has potential – though it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Prime Video on December 10th.
