It is a widely held belief in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such situations hinder former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to feel down.
While respecting the inner life of dogs – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. If you need standout portrayal in dog sorrow, simply recall a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adapting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on this conflict is sustainable is rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than its premise. It functions as a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the complexity remains surface-level. The narrative is destined to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – including a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – think fake snow piled on verdant foliage as North Carolina substitutes for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these predictable parts coalesce into a pleasant experience depends on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness does not extend for the romantic plot. The tone wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, not quite landing any one mode. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny required by the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her Anna can feel a little too aloof, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself is convincing at looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to add substance to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is easily the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The reason for their original breakup could have been more grounded and mature with less exposition and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling every expected note. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – even if it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Prime Video on December 10th.
