It is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such setups hinder individuals from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and prove frustrating across the board. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – countless people observe their remarkable empathy. If you need masterclass in pet despair, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time coping with divided living arrangements. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on this conflict works effectively seems rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline unfolds as simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will presumably realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – think fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
How these standard ingredients come together into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for dog videos. It provides a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between emotional depth, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the unusual premise. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her Anna can feel a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in flopping and whining – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, considering the title character is undoubtedly the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their original breakup might seem more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting all its marks. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise has potential – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video this December.
