It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that sharing custody a pet after a breakup is ill-advised. Most will argue such arrangements prevent ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – many owners attest to their remarkable empathy. If you need prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would struggle coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively remains debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the ambitions remains surface-level. The narrative unfolds as simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will surely rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – including familiar faces – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – think obvious snow effects surrounding lush pines as a warm climate stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
How these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience rests upon the strength of the performances and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for pet content. It provides a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some awkward editing between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The tone vacillates between relationship drama, broad humor, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that offers much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna can feel a bit too dry, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to add substance to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The reason for the split would feel more adult and realistic with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – but it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Prime Video this December.
