This is a widely held belief for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations hinder former couples from healing, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and become annoying for everyone involved. As it turns out, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to feel down.
Not to downplay the inner life of our pets – many owners observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would struggle coping with split households. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively seems rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. Its storyline unfolds as straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – featuring a group of comedic actors – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. The film's look has the quality of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – think fake snow clinging to green trees as North Carolina stands in for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these predictable parts coalesce into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who scroll endlessly for dog videos. The film delivers a series of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, pet moping, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, failing to master a single genre. This is not Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe demanded of the unusual premise. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal seems a touch too detached, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself is convincing at acting depressed – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, given that the title character is undoubtedly the cutest element of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – even if it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.
