It is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such situations prevent individuals from healing, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and prove frustrating across the board. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to become depressed.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners speak of their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in pet despair, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle 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 its screenwriters and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than what it is. This is a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions are modest. The plot is destined to be simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including familiar faces – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – think fake snow clinging to lush pines as a summer location stands in for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
If these predictable parts coalesce into an entertaining watch rests upon the actors' work and one's taste for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for cute animal clips. The film delivers a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is Merv himself, and even if it causes some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, failing to master any one mode. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna seems a little too aloof, notably when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a very good boy.)
The story strives to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, given that Merv is undoubtedly the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, hitting all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting has potential – though it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video this December.
