This is a widely held belief for numerous people that jointly caring for a canine companion after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such setups hinder ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying for everyone involved. As it turns out, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to experience sadness.
While respecting the mental health of our pets – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adjusting to split households. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on this conflict works effectively seems rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. We have here a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth is limited. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – serve as the usual assortment of types. The film's look has the quality of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – think obvious snow effects surrounding lush pines as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
How these standard ingredients come together 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 – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie does offer walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success does not extend for the human side of the story. The tone wavers between emotional depth, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, never fully committing to a single genre. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a endearing lack of ego that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, notably when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to add substance to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, given that the dog is by far the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their original breakup might seem more nuanced with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict has potential – though it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.
