It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements prevent former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying for everyone involved. As it turns out, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the inner life of animals – pet parents attest to their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in canine melancholy, one need only look a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adapting to split households. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on this conflict is sustainable is a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than a light film. It functions as a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions remains surface-level. The narrative proves to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – played by familiar faces – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – as seen in flurries clinging to lush pines as North Carolina stands in for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
How these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable hinges on the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, pet moping, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success cannot be applied for the romantic plot. Its style wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to a single genre. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the silliness and cringe required by the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a touch too detached, notably when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is by far the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – even if it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video on December 10th.
