This is a widely held belief among many that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede former couples from healing, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to feel down.
Without minimizing the mental health of our pets – countless people attest to their remarkable empathy. For a standout portrayal in pet despair, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adapting to split households. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on such a setup holds water remains rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and under the guidance of director Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than a light film. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity remains surface-level. The narrative unfolds as straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will surely realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – featuring familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as North Carolina stands in for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
If these standard ingredients coalesce into something enjoyable rests upon the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for pet content. Audiences receive a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the dog, and though it results in some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, pet moping, and, in the end, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The tone shifts uneasily between relationship drama, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is fully game the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, especially when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself is convincing at flopping and whining – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a very good boy.)
The story strives to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, considering the title character is by far the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The reason for their original breakup might seem more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Making a film about dog co-parenting is not terrible – but it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
