It is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations hinder ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and prove frustrating across the board. Apparently, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to become depressed.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to split households. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively remains a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. We have here a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth is limited. The narrative unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – including a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries piled on lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
How these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable depends on the strength of the performances and one's taste for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who seek out for dog videos. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, pet moping, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between relationship drama, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is fully game the humiliating and funny demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna comes across as a bit too dry, notably when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, since Merv is by far the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The cause for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting is not terrible – even if it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video this December.
