It is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such setups hinder ex-partners from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to become depressed.
While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people speak of their deep emotional capacity. For a prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look another performance. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adapting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively remains a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions remains surface-level. The narrative is destined to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in flurries clinging to green trees as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
If these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who browse regularly for pet content. The film delivers a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style wavers between emotional depth, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, not quite landing any one mode. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. His performance contains a charming humility that provides much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. The character can feel a little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog succeeds in acting depressed – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since Merv is by far the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation could have been more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict has potential – though it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
