It is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion after a breakup is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede ex-partners from finding closure, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and prove frustrating across the board. Apparently, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in dog sorrow, consider another performance. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation works effectively remains rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. It functions as a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the depth is limited. The plot proves to be straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as the usual assortment of types. The film's look has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects clinging to green trees as a summer location doubles as the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
How these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch rests upon the execution and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who scroll endlessly for pet content. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the dog, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer dog beach fun, pet moping, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach vacillates between serious study, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is fully game the absurd and awkward required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her Anna can feel a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, given that the title character is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for the split might seem more grounded and mature with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling every expected note. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise has potential – though it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
