This is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede individuals from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the mental health of dogs – countless people observe their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type played by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to split households. The idea of basing a full holiday film on such a setup is sustainable is a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than its premise. This is a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the complexity remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – think obvious snow effects clinging to green trees as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
If these familiar elements coalesce into an entertaining watch hinges on the actors' work and an acceptance of easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who browse regularly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, pet moping, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The tone shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, not quite landing a single genre. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward inherent in the unusual premise. His performance contains a charming humility that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a bit too dry, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, the canine performer manages looking despondent – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering the dog is easily the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation would feel more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – though it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
