It is a widely held belief in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements impede individuals from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and become annoying for all parties. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.
While respecting the mental health of animals – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. For a masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall a past film. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adapting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom on this conflict works effectively seems rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and directed by director Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth are modest. Its storyline proves to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including familiar faces – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – think flurries clinging to lush pines as North Carolina doubles as a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
If these standard ingredients merge into something enjoyable depends on the strength of the performances and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – the kind who scroll endlessly for pet content. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style shifts uneasily between emotional depth, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, failing to master a single genre. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the humiliating and funny inherent in the dog resort scenario. He brings a charming humility that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character comes across as a touch too detached, especially when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog is convincing at acting depressed – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that the title character is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The cause for their original breakup might seem more grounded and mature with less exposition and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – but I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.
