This is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion after a breakup is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations prevent ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners observe their profound sensitivity. If you need standout portrayal in pet despair, simply recall recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on such a setup holds water is a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, written by the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than its premise. This is a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including familiar faces – serve as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as a warm climate stands in for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
If these familiar elements coalesce into an entertaining watch rests upon the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – the kind who scroll endlessly for dog videos. It provides a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, finally, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach vacillates between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, not quite landing a single genre. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the absurd and awkward inherent in the bizarre setting. His performance contains a charming humility that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna comes across as a touch too detached, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Merv himself succeeds in flopping and whining – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, considering Merv is undoubtedly the cutest element of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, 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 light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.
