This is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a dog following a split is ill-advised. Most will argue such setups hinder ex-partners from finding closure, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for all parties. Seemingly, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the inner life of animals – many owners attest to their remarkable empathy. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, 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 on this conflict works effectively remains debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. We have here a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity is limited. The narrative is destined to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in flurries piled on green trees as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
If these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience depends on the strength of the performances and one's taste for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who browse regularly for pet content. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. Its style wavers between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, failing to master a consistent feel. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the silliness and cringe required by the unusual premise. His performance contains a charming humility that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a bit too dry, notably when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)
The story strives to provide depth to the central romance for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, since Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their original breakup might seem more grounded and mature with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict is not terrible – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video this December.
