This is a widely held belief for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such setups impede former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the inner life of our pets – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. To witness a masterclass in pet despair, one need only look a past film. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time coping with life in two homes. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on this conflict is sustainable remains a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by director Swale, never aspires to be more profound than a light film. This is a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions are modest. The narrative proves to be simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow clinging to lush pines as a warm climate stands in for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
How these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience hinges on the strength of the performances and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for pet content. Audiences receive a series of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, pet moping, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. The tone wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a consistent feel. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. His performance contains a charming humility that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a little too aloof, notably when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, the canine performer succeeds in looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The story strives to add substance to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, considering Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup might seem more grounded and mature with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – even if it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video this December.
