This is a widely held belief for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such setups hinder former couples from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and become annoying across the board. Seemingly, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.
While respecting the mental health of animals – countless people attest to their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in pet despair, consider another performance. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adapting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on this conflict is sustainable is rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. We have here a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth is limited. The plot proves to be straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – think obvious snow effects piled on lush pines as a warm climate stands in for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
If these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who browse regularly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, finally, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise cannot be applied for the romantic plot. Its style shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the unusual premise. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna seems a bit too dry, especially when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, the canine performer is convincing at flopping and whining – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)
The story strives to add substance to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, given that the title character is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Making a film about dog co-parenting is not terrible – but it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Prime Video this December.
