This is a widely held belief in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet following a split is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such situations prevent former couples from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – many owners attest to their deep emotional capacity. For a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, simply recall a past film. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by Gus the Dog, would struggle coping with split households. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance around this situation is sustainable seems debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than its premise. This is a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. The narrative unfolds as uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as a summer location substitutes for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these standard ingredients come together into an entertaining watch hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for dog videos. Audiences receive a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Human Element
This level of success cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, never fully committing to any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward required by the dog resort scenario. He brings a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog manages acting depressed – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to give weight to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their original breakup might seem more grounded and mature with more screen time and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting is not terrible – but I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.
