It is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such situations prevent former couples from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Seemingly, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.
While respecting the inner life of our pets – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. For a masterclass in dog sorrow, consider another performance. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adjusting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance around this situation holds water remains rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than its premise. This is a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the complexity are modest. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – featuring familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by flurries piled on lush pines as a summer location substitutes for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts coalesce into something enjoyable depends on the actors' work and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who seek out for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the canine star, and while this leads to some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the human side of the story. The tone vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a consistent feel. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the unusual premise. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. The character can feel a bit too dry, particularly when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself manages acting depressed – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)
The story strives to provide depth to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, given that the title character is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split could have been more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting has potential – though it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Prime Video on December 10th.
