It is a widely held belief in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. Most will argue such situations hinder ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adapting to split households. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on such a setup is sustainable remains debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than its premise. This is a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. The film's look carries the feel of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding lush pines as a summer location substitutes for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these standard ingredients merge into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and one's taste for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who browse regularly for pet content. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise is not earned for the romantic plot. The tone wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that provides much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal comes across as a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Merv himself manages acting depressed – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, considering the title character is easily the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for the split would feel more nuanced with less exposition and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise has potential – even if it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.
