It is a widely held belief for numerous people that co-parenting a dog after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations prevent former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – pet parents observe their deep emotional capacity. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adapting to life in two homes. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation works effectively remains debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by its screenwriters and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than a light film. We have here a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity is limited. Its storyline unfolds as straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – including familiar faces – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – exemplified by fake snow piled on green trees as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements merge into something enjoyable depends on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who seek out for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness is not earned for the romantic plot. Its style vacillates between relationship drama, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny demanded of the bizarre setting. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, especially when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Merv himself manages looking despondent – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a very good boy.)
Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The reason for the split would feel more adult and realistic with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.
