It is a widely held belief among many that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such situations prevent individuals from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying for all parties. Apparently, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – pet parents attest to their remarkable empathy. For a masterclass in dog sorrow, one need only look recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by Gus the Dog, would struggle adapting to life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable is rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions remains surface-level. The narrative is destined to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – featuring 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 wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding lush pines as a summer location doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who browse regularly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, pet moping, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not Charlie Cox, who is fully game the absurd and awkward demanded of the unusual premise. His performance contains a charming humility that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, the canine performer succeeds in acting depressed – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, given that the title character is easily the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for the split could have been more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – though it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video this December.
