This is a common warning among many that co-parenting a pet after a breakup is ill-advised. Most will argue such setups prevent ex-partners from healing, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and are a nuisance across the board. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
Not to downplay the inner life of our pets – pet parents attest to their deep emotional capacity. For a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, consider recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adapting to split households. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on such a setup works effectively is debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and helmed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: former spouses 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 uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – featuring a group of comedic actors – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects piled on lush pines as a summer location doubles as a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
How these familiar elements merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the strength of the performances and one's taste for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who scroll endlessly for dog videos. It provides a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie does offer dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between serious study, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is fully game the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a bit too dry, notably when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, the canine performer manages flopping and whining – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, considering the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for the split could have been more nuanced with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict has potential – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Prime Video on December 10th.
