This is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such situations hinder individuals from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to feel down.
While respecting the mental health of our pets – many owners observe their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult coping with divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom around this situation works effectively remains debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than a light film. It functions as a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the complexity are modest. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Side characters – including familiar faces – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – exemplified by fake snow piled on green trees as a warm climate stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these familiar elements come together into something enjoyable hinges on the execution and one's taste for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who scroll endlessly for pet content. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
This level of success cannot be applied for the human side of the story. Its style wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, not quite landing a single genre. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is fully game the humiliating and funny demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, the canine performer manages acting depressed – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, considering Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split might seem more grounded and mature with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling every expected note. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting is not terrible – but it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
