It is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a dog following a split is a terrible idea. Most will argue such setups impede former couples from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Seemingly, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to become depressed.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents attest to their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in pet despair, one need only look recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog played by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult coping with divided living arrangements. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on such a setup is sustainable seems a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – including familiar faces – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – as seen in flurries surrounding green trees as a warm climate doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience hinges on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is Merv himself, and even if it causes some stilted moments between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, finally, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that provides much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a bit too dry, particularly when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to give weight to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, given that Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The reason for their original breakup might seem more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting every expected note. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – though I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
