It is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a pet following a split is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations impede former couples from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – countless people observe their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation works effectively is rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth is limited. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – think flurries piled on verdant foliage as North Carolina substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
How these predictable parts coalesce into something enjoyable depends on the execution and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who seek out for pet content. The film delivers a series of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The tone vacillates between serious study, broad humor, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, failing to master any one mode. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that offers much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a bit too dry, particularly when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself is convincing at flopping and whining – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, given that the dog is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The cause for their original breakup could have been more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie with this canine conflict is not terrible – though it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.
