It is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a canine companion following a split is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations hinder individuals from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for all parties. Seemingly, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of animals – many owners speak of their remarkable empathy. If you need masterclass in dog sorrow, consider recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adapting to split households. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on such a setup is sustainable is a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than its premise. This is a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – as seen in fake snow clinging to green trees as a summer location substitutes for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these standard ingredients come together into something enjoyable depends on the execution and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for pet content. The film delivers a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the canine star, and while this leads to some awkward editing between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie does offer walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success is not earned for the romantic plot. Its style vacillates between serious study, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny required by the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that offers much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. The character comes across as a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, the canine performer manages looking despondent – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, given that the title character is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their original breakup might seem more adult and realistic with more screen time and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – even if it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video this December.
