It is a widely held belief for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such situations prevent ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Seemingly, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the mental health of dogs – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look another performance. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film on such a setup is sustainable seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, never aspires to be deeper than what it is. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look has the quality of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as North Carolina stands in for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these familiar elements coalesce into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the canine star, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise is not earned for the romantic plot. The film's approach vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the absurd and awkward inherent in the unusual premise. His performance contains a charming humility that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a bit too dry, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Gus the Dog succeeds in acting depressed – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to add substance to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, given that Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform this December.
