This is a widely held belief in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet following a split is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements prevent former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.
Not to downplay the mental health of dogs – pet parents speak of their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adapting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively is a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and helmed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity remains surface-level. The narrative proves 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 uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – featuring a group of comedic actors – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – as seen in fake snow clinging to lush pines as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
If these standard ingredients come together into something enjoyable hinges on the execution and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for pet content. It provides a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success cannot be applied for the romantic plot. Its style wavers between emotional depth, broad humor, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny inherent in the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. The character can feel a bit too dry, especially when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog is convincing at acting depressed – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, given that Merv is by far the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their original breakup might seem more nuanced with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting every expected note. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – though I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video this December.
