This is a widely held belief for numerous people that jointly caring for a canine companion after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such situations hinder individuals from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying for all parties. Seemingly, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of dogs – pet parents attest to their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in pet despair, one need only look another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film on such a setup holds water is rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, never aspires to be anything more than its premise. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – exemplified by fake snow piled on green trees as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience depends on the actors' work and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who scroll endlessly for pet content. The film delivers a plethora of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness does not extend for the human side of the story. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master a single genre. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna comes across as a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog succeeds in flopping and whining – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, since Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup might seem more adult and realistic with less exposition and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – even if I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.
