It is a widely held belief in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such situations hinder former couples from healing, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.
Without minimizing the inner life of our pets – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. For a masterclass in dog sorrow, consider recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would struggle coping with life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film on such a setup is sustainable seems debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions remains surface-level. The plot proves to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – including 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 – as seen in obvious snow effects piled on lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience rests upon the execution and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and while this leads to some awkward editing between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on canine party antics, dog depression, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness is not earned for the interpersonal drama. Its style shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a consistent feel. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The story strives to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, since the title character is by far the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Making a film on this shared-custody premise has potential – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
