It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that co-parenting a canine companion after a breakup is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such arrangements prevent former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating across the board. Seemingly, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to become depressed.
Without minimizing the inner life of animals – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adjusting to split households. If this concept a feature-length romcom on this conflict works effectively is rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, written by the writing duo and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity remains surface-level. The narrative is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – including familiar faces – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – exemplified by obvious snow effects piled on green trees as a summer location doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the canine star, and while this leads to some stilted moments between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, pet moping, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
This level of success does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, failing to master a single genre. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is fully game the humiliating and funny required by the unusual premise. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna can feel a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, the canine performer manages flopping and whining – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a very good boy.)
Merv tries 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 most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The cause for their original breakup might seem more adult and realistic with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict is not terrible – though I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
