It is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups impede former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Seemingly, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.
Without minimizing the inner life of animals – pet parents speak of their deep emotional capacity. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time coping with split households. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation is sustainable remains a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. The narrative unfolds as straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is rivaled only 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 – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
If these standard ingredients coalesce into an entertaining watch rests upon the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who seek out for dog videos. It provides a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is Merv himself, and even if it causes some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success does not extend for the human side of the story. The tone shifts uneasily between relationship drama, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, failing to master a single genre. This is not Cox's performance, who is fully game the humiliating and funny demanded of the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, given that the dog is undoubtedly the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for the split could have been more adult and realistic with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
