It is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a canine companion following a split is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations hinder individuals from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Seemingly, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, one need only look a past film. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance around this situation holds water remains rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. This is a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. The narrative is destined to be 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, decide on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – think obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements coalesce into an entertaining watch rests upon the execution and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – those people who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, pet moping, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Human Element
This level of success is not earned for the human side of the story. Its style shifts uneasily between emotional depth, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that provides much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, the canine performer is convincing at acting depressed – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a very good boy.)
The story strives to add substance to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, given that Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with less exposition and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – but it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.
