It is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a canine companion after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such setups hinder former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for all parties. Seemingly, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to become depressed.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of animals – many owners speak of their profound sensitivity. For a masterclass in pet despair, simply recall recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by Gus the Dog, would struggle adjusting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water is debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. This is a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth are modest. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: exes 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 canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – including familiar faces – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in flurries surrounding green trees as a warm climate stands in for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
If these standard ingredients coalesce into something enjoyable rests upon the execution and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – those people who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and people's faces, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, pet moping, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness is not earned for the romantic plot. Its style vacillates between serious study, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and physical comedy, not quite landing any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe demanded of the unusual premise. His performance contains a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a touch too detached, notably when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, the canine performer succeeds in flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The story strives to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The cause for their original breakup would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.
