This is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such situations impede ex-partners from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and prove frustrating across the board. Seemingly, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to become depressed.
While respecting the mental health of our pets – pet parents attest to their deep emotional capacity. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adapting to life in two homes. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance around this situation holds water remains rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than a light film. We have here a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the depth are modest. Its storyline proves to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – exemplified by flurries piled on verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable rests upon the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, pet moping, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success is not earned for the romantic plot. The tone shifts uneasily between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, not quite landing a single genre. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a little too aloof, particularly when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The story strives to add substance to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, considering Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for the split could have been more nuanced with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – though I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
