This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a canine companion after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements hinder ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for all parties. Seemingly, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – many owners speak of their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adapting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on this conflict works effectively is rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. We have here a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity are modest. Its storyline proves to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – featuring familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – exemplified by fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience rests upon the actors' work and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a plethora of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, dog depression, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness does not extend for the romantic plot. The tone vacillates between serious study, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, especially when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, the canine performer succeeds in flopping and whining – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering Merv is undoubtedly the cutest element of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation could have been more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting is not terrible – even if it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.
