This is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a canine companion after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements impede ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. As it turns out, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
While respecting the inner life of animals – pet parents attest to their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, simply recall a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adapting to split households. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively is a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the complexity remains surface-level. The plot proves to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by fake snow piled on green trees as North Carolina stands in for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
How these predictable parts coalesce into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who seek out for dog videos. Audiences receive a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some clunky cuts between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The tone vacillates between emotional depth, broad humor, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, not quite landing a consistent feel. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the unusual premise. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna can feel a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a very good boy.)
The film attempts to add substance to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, meeting every expected note. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting has potential – but it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video this December.
