This is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion after a breakup is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements hinder ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for all parties. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.
While respecting the mental health of animals – pet parents speak of their profound sensitivity. If you need prime example in pet despair, consider another performance. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog played by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adapting to split households. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on this conflict holds water seems debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than a light film. We have here a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the depth are modest. The narrative is destined to be straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as North Carolina stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience rests upon the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and even if it causes some awkward editing between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between serious study, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that provides much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a bit too dry, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, the canine performer succeeds in flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)
The story strives to give weight to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, since the dog is by far the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for the split would feel more grounded and mature with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – even if it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video this December.
