This is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion after a breakup is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such situations prevent ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to feel down.
Without minimizing the mental health of our pets – pet parents speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in pet despair, consider another performance. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would struggle adapting to split households. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable seems debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. This is a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the depth is limited. The narrative proves to be uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will surely rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by flurries clinging to lush pines as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these familiar elements merge into something enjoyable depends on the strength of the performances and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie does offer dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, in the end, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise is not earned for the romantic plot. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a single genre. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. The character comes across as a bit too dry, notably when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Merv himself is convincing at looking despondent – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to add substance to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering the title character is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with less exposition and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video on December 10th.
