It is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a canine companion after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such arrangements prevent individuals from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and become annoying for all parties. Seemingly, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.
While respecting the inner life of dogs – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in pet despair, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water remains rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, written by its screenwriters and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the complexity remains surface-level. The plot is destined to be straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – including a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – think obvious snow effects clinging to green trees as North Carolina doubles as the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these predictable parts merge into something enjoyable depends on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some awkward editing between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie does offer walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. Its style shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a single genre. This is not Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny inherent in the unusual premise. He brings a endearing lack of ego that supplies much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal seems a touch too detached, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, the canine performer is convincing at looking despondent – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a very good boy.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, given that Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more adult and realistic with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling every expected note. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – even if it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.
