It is a widely held belief in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such setups prevent ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and are a nuisance across the board. Seemingly, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.
While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – pet parents speak of their deep emotional capacity. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on such a setup holds water remains rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline unfolds as straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including familiar faces – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look has the quality of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – exemplified by flurries surrounding green trees as a summer location substitutes for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch rests upon the strength of the performances and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – individuals who browse regularly for pet content. The film delivers a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, not quite landing any one mode. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal comes across as a touch too detached, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, given that the dog is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their separation might seem more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – though it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.
