It is a widely held belief for numerous people that co-parenting a dog after a breakup is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such situations hinder ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the mental health of dogs – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. If you need standout portrayal in dog sorrow, consider another performance. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom around this situation is sustainable is rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by director Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the complexity remains surface-level. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in flurries piled on green trees as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience depends on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who browse regularly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. He brings a endearing lack of ego that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a bit too dry, particularly when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog is convincing at acting depressed – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, considering the dog is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their separation might seem more grounded and mature with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
