This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements hinder ex-partners from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to feel down.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – countless people speak of their deep emotional capacity. To witness a standout portrayal in pet despair, one need only look recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix played by Gus the Dog, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on such a setup is sustainable remains rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the complexity are modest. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look has the quality of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these standard ingredients come together into a pleasant experience depends on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who seek out for dog videos. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The tone shifts uneasily between emotional depth, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a single genre. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. The character can feel a little too aloof, notably when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)
Merv tries to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, since Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their original breakup could have been more grounded and mature with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.
