It is a widely held belief in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion following a split is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such situations prevent ex-partners from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. As it turns out, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.
While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in dog sorrow, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adapting to life in two homes. If this concept a feature-length romcom on such a setup holds water seems rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity is limited. The plot is destined to be simple and direct: 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, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will surely realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – as seen in flurries piled on lush pines as North Carolina substitutes for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these standard ingredients coalesce into something enjoyable depends on the actors' work and one's taste for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who seek out for dog videos. It provides a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness is not earned for the romantic plot. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, never fully committing to any one mode. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, the canine performer is convincing at looking despondent – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, considering Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation might seem more adult and realistic with less exposition and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie with this canine conflict has potential – but it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
