It is a widely held belief for numerous people that jointly caring for a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such setups impede individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and prove frustrating across the board. As it turns out, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – many owners attest to their remarkable empathy. If you need prime example in pet despair, consider recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adapting to divided living arrangements. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively is rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, written by the writing duo and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than a light film. This is a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look has the quality of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – as seen in fake snow surrounding lush pines as a warm climate stands in for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience hinges on the execution and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and even if it causes some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
This level of success cannot be applied for the romantic plot. Its style wavers between serious study, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a single genre. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the dog resort scenario. He brings a charming humility that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. The character can feel a touch too detached, especially when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, the canine performer is convincing at looking despondent – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The reason for their original breakup could have been more grounded and mature with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting is not terrible – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
