This is a widely held belief for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such situations prevent ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to become depressed.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – countless people attest to their remarkable empathy. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adapting to life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict holds water is debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than a light film. This is a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – including a group of comedic actors – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – as seen in flurries clinging to verdant foliage as a warm climate stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
How these familiar elements merge into something enjoyable rests upon the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. Its style vacillates between relationship drama, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, never fully committing to any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a little too aloof, notably when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog is convincing at acting depressed – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, considering Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, 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 light and sugary, meeting every expected note. Creating a movie with this canine conflict has potential – though it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.
