It is a widely held belief in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups hinder ex-partners from healing, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. As it turns out, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents attest to their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation is sustainable is rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than what it is. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the ambitions remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will surely realize the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – think obvious snow effects clinging to verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these familiar elements coalesce into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and one's taste for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. It provides a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the canine star, and while this leads to some awkward editing between animal action and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise cannot be applied for the human side of the story. Its style wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, failing to master a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. The character seems a bit too dry, especially when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, the canine performer is convincing at acting depressed – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, given that the dog is by far the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The reason for the split could have been more grounded and mature with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie with this canine conflict has potential – though it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.
