This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements impede individuals from healing, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.
Without minimizing the mental health of animals – pet parents speak of their profound sensitivity. If you need standout portrayal in dog sorrow, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would struggle coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively is debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. The plot unfolds as uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – including a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow surrounding lush pines as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
If these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie does offer dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach shifts uneasily between emotional depth, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that provides much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a touch too detached, especially when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Merv himself is convincing at looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to give weight to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since the title character is easily the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their original breakup could have been more grounded and mature with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise has potential – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
