This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion following a split is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such situations prevent ex-partners from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Seemingly, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the mental health of animals – countless people speak of their deep emotional capacity. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by Gus the Dog, would struggle coping with divided living arrangements. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively is a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth is limited. Its storyline proves to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – featuring a group of comedic actors – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually carries the feel of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in flurries piled on lush pines as a summer location doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch rests upon the actors' work and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is Merv himself, and while this leads to some awkward editing between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master a single genre. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny demanded of the bizarre setting. His performance contains a charming humility that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in flopping and whining – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, since Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting is not terrible – but it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.
