It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such situations impede former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating across the board. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, simply recall recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with divided living arrangements. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on this conflict holds water seems rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, written by its screenwriters and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than its premise. It functions as a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – serve as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts merge into something enjoyable rests upon the execution and one's taste for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who scroll endlessly for pet content. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie does offer dog beach fun, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise is not earned for the romantic plot. Its style wavers between serious study, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is fully game the silliness and cringe required by the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. The character can feel a little too aloof, notably when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer manages flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, since the dog is easily the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their separation might seem more grounded and mature with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – though it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.
