It is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a canine companion post-separation is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such setups impede individuals from finding closure, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. As it turns out, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
While respecting the mental health of dogs – pet parents speak of their profound sensitivity. For a masterclass in dog sorrow, consider recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to divided living arrangements. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on such a setup works effectively is rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than its premise. It functions as a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the depth is limited. The plot unfolds as straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will surely realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as a warm climate doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
How these standard ingredients merge into a pleasant experience rests upon the actors' work and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who seek out for pet content. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the dog, and though it results in some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not Cox's performance, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a bit too dry, notably when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that Merv is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their original breakup would feel more grounded and mature with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – though it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video this December.
