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 ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to feel down.
Not to downplay the inner life of our pets – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in dog sorrow, one need only look recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adapting to split households. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on such a setup holds water remains a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than its premise. We have here a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the complexity are modest. The narrative proves to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including familiar faces – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – think obvious snow effects clinging to verdant foliage as a warm climate stands in for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
How these standard ingredients come together into a pleasant experience rests upon the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who scroll endlessly for dog videos. The film delivers a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness is not earned for the romantic plot. The film's approach shifts uneasily between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. His performance contains a charming humility that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. The character can feel a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, given that Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more nuanced with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie with this canine conflict has potential – though it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
