It is a widely held belief for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements prevent individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the mental health of dogs – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in pet despair, one need only look a past film. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with split households. If this concept a full holiday film on such a setup holds water remains rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. It functions as a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth are modest. The narrative unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries piled on lush pines as North Carolina substitutes for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
How these familiar elements merge into something enjoyable depends on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness is not earned for the romantic plot. The film's approach shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, not quite landing any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna can feel a touch too detached, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, the canine performer manages flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to give weight to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their original breakup might seem more nuanced with less exposition and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.
