It is a widely held belief for numerous people that jointly caring for a canine companion after a breakup is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups hinder former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Seemingly, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. If you need prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would struggle coping with life in two homes. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on this conflict works effectively remains debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the depth is limited. The narrative is destined to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by fake snow surrounding verdant foliage as North Carolina stands in for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
How these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch rests upon the actors' work and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – those people who browse regularly for cute animal clips. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie does offer dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between serious study, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, not quite landing a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog is convincing at acting depressed – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, since the dog is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Making a film with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – even if I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
