This is a widely held belief for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups impede ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. As it turns out, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of our pets – pet parents attest to their deep emotional capacity. To witness a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, simply recall recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adapting to split households. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on this conflict works effectively seems debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by director Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. This is a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions are modest. The narrative is destined to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – exemplified by flurries clinging to lush pines as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these predictable parts merge into something enjoyable rests upon the actors' work and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the absurd and awkward required by the dog resort scenario. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, particularly when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, the canine performer manages flopping and whining – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a very good boy.)
Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering the dog is by far the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – though it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Prime Video this December.
