This is a widely held belief for numerous people that jointly caring for a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such situations impede individuals from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the inner life of animals – countless people attest to their remarkable empathy. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, consider a past film. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on such a setup holds water is a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. The narrative proves to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by fake snow piled on green trees as North Carolina doubles as a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience rests upon the execution and one's taste for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The tone vacillates between relationship drama, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, failing to master any one mode. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny required by the dog resort scenario. He brings a charming humility that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna comes across as a touch too detached, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, the canine performer manages acting depressed – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, given that the title character is undoubtedly the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their separation would feel more adult and realistic with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting is not terrible – even if it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.
