It is a widely held belief for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such situations prevent ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, as a development suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.
While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents speak of their deep emotional capacity. For a prime example in dog sorrow, consider another performance. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adjusting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation is sustainable remains debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. This is a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely realize 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 is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – exemplified by fake snow surrounding green trees as a summer location doubles as a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable depends on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the canine star, and while this leads to some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, dog depression, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. The tone wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. The character can feel a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to add substance to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, considering the title character is by far the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for the split might seem more adult and realistic with less exposition and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film with this canine conflict is not terrible – but it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video this December.
