It is a widely held belief among many that jointly caring for a canine companion after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such situations hinder ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying across the board. Seemingly, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to experience sadness.
While respecting the inner life of animals – many owners attest to their deep emotional capacity. For a prime example in canine melancholy, consider recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with split households. The idea of basing a full holiday film on such a setup is sustainable is rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, written by the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than its premise. This is a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth is limited. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – think obvious snow effects piled on lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these standard ingredients merge into a pleasant experience hinges on the strength of the performances and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who scroll endlessly for pet content. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and while this leads to some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style vacillates between serious study, broad humor, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. The character seems a bit too dry, particularly when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, the canine performer manages looking despondent – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, since the title character is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their separation might seem more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling every expected note. Creating a movie with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video this December.
