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 impede ex-partners from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and become annoying for all parties. Seemingly, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.
Without minimizing the inner life of our pets – pet parents speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance around this situation holds water seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. It functions as a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth is limited. The plot is destined to be simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will surely rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – exemplified by flurries clinging to verdant foliage as a warm climate stands in for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these standard ingredients merge into a pleasant experience rests upon the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is Merv himself, and while this leads to some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The tone vacillates between emotional depth, broad humor, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not Cox's performance, who is fully game the humiliating and funny required by the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a charming humility that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer is convincing at looking despondent – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The film attempts to give weight to the central romance for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, given that the dog is undoubtedly the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The cause for their original breakup might seem more grounded and mature with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
