This is a widely held belief among many that jointly caring for a canine companion after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups hinder ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and become annoying across the board. As it turns out, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.
While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – pet parents speak of their remarkable empathy. If you need masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to split households. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on this conflict holds water seems rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline unfolds as simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will surely rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – as seen in flurries clinging to verdant foliage as North Carolina doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these familiar elements coalesce into an entertaining watch hinges on the actors' work and an acceptance of comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for pet content. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. Its style vacillates between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, failing to master any one mode. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe demanded of the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal can feel a bit too dry, especially when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Merv himself is convincing at looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering the title character is by far the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for the split would feel more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting every expected note. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – but it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.
