This is a widely held belief among many that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups impede former couples from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and prove frustrating across the board. As it turns out, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Without minimizing the mental health of our pets – pet parents speak of their profound sensitivity. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film on this conflict holds water remains a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. The plot unfolds as uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – think flurries piled on lush pines as North Carolina stands in for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these predictable parts coalesce into an entertaining watch depends on the execution and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, pet moping, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between emotional depth, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe inherent in the unusual premise. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. The character comes across as a touch too detached, particularly when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog is convincing at acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The cause for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – but it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video this December.
