It is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion after a breakup is ill-advised. Most will argue such arrangements hinder individuals from finding closure, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to experience sadness.
While respecting the inner life of our pets – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in pet despair, one need only look a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on such a setup works effectively seems debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the depth is limited. The plot unfolds as straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic has the quality of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – think flurries surrounding verdant foliage as North Carolina substitutes for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these standard ingredients come together into something enjoyable depends on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and while this leads to some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
This level of success does not extend for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a bit too dry, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, since the dog is easily the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation could have been more nuanced with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video this December.
