This is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups hinder former couples from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and become annoying for all parties. Apparently, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – many owners attest to their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look another performance. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to split households. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on such a setup works effectively seems a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and directed by director Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a corporate studio – the depth remains surface-level. The narrative unfolds as simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow surrounding verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience rests upon the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who seek out for pet content. The film delivers a plethora of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie does offer dog beach fun, pet moping, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
This level of success cannot be applied for the human side of the story. Its style wavers between serious study, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny required by the unusual premise. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Merv himself manages acting depressed – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)
The story strives to provide depth to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, given that Merv is by far the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation would feel more adult and realistic with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – though I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.
