This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements impede ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to feel down.
Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – countless people attest to their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in pet despair, simply recall a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type played by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to split households. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water is rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity is limited. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will surely rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – think flurries piled on lush pines as a warm climate doubles as a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch depends on the execution and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the canine star, and while this leads to some stilted moments between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie does offer dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master a single genre. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a bit too dry, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer succeeds in flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The film attempts to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, given that the title character is easily the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for the split might seem more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – though it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Prime Video this December.
