It is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is ill-advised. Most will argue such setups prevent ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to feel down.
While respecting the mental health of animals – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would struggle coping with divided living arrangements. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on this conflict is sustainable remains debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions remains surface-level. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – think obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these familiar elements coalesce into an entertaining watch depends on the execution and an acceptance of comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who scroll endlessly for pet content. The film delivers a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success is not earned for the human side of the story. The tone vacillates between relationship drama, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, failing to master a single genre. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, particularly when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Merv himself succeeds in flopping and whining – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to add substance to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, given that the dog is easily the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their original breakup could have been more grounded and mature with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – even if I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Prime Video this December.
