It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion following a split is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such arrangements prevent individuals from moving forward, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to feel down.
Not to downplay the inner life of animals – many owners speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, consider recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would struggle coping with divided living arrangements. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on this conflict holds water seems debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than a light film. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline unfolds as straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – exemplified by fake snow surrounding verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
How these standard ingredients coalesce into something enjoyable rests upon the actors' work and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for dog videos. It provides a plethora of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, pet moping, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a single genre. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a little too aloof, notably when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself manages looking despondent – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, given that the title character is easily the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The reason for the split could have been more nuanced with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – though it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.
