It is a widely held belief for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such situations prevent ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and prove frustrating across the board. As it turns out, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – many owners attest to their remarkable empathy. If you need prime example in canine melancholy, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation works effectively seems rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the depth are modest. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – think obvious snow effects clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
If these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the dog, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between emotional depth, broad humor, predictable love story, and silly gags, not quite landing any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. The character can feel a little too aloof, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Merv himself is convincing at acting depressed – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, given that Merv is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – though I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.
