It is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements impede individuals from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by Gus the Dog, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance around this situation is sustainable seems a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. This is a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth are modest. Its storyline proves to be simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – exemplified by flurries surrounding green trees as a summer location doubles as a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
How these familiar elements coalesce into an entertaining watch rests upon the execution and one's taste for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between serious study, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, not quite landing any one mode. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, the canine performer is convincing at flopping and whining – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to give weight to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, given that the title character is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with more screen time and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, hitting all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.
