It is a widely held belief among many that jointly caring for a canine companion following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups hinder individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to become depressed.
While respecting the inner life of dogs – pet parents observe their deep emotional capacity. If you need masterclass in dog sorrow, consider another performance. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adapting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on such a setup works effectively remains a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, written by its screenwriters and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than its premise. It functions as a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – 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 holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow surrounding verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these standard ingredients come together into a pleasant experience rests upon the actors' work and an acceptance of easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who browse regularly for pet content. The film delivers a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the canine star, and though it results in some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, pet moping, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise does not extend for the human side of the story. The tone wavers between emotional depth, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a consistent feel. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is fully game the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a bit too dry, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself manages acting depressed – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)
The story strives to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since Merv is easily the best part of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, hitting every expected note. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – though it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video this December.
