This is a widely held belief for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such setups hinder former couples from healing, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and become annoying across the board. As it turns out, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the inner life of our pets – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. If you need standout portrayal in pet despair, one need only look recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to split households. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on such a setup holds water is rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth is limited. The plot unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow clinging to lush pines as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
How 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 knows its audience – those people who browse regularly for dog videos. Audiences receive a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some clunky cuts between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie does offer canine party antics, dog depression, and, in the end, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, not quite landing a single genre. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the humiliating and funny inherent in the dog resort scenario. He brings a endearing lack of ego that provides much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. The character can feel a bit too dry, notably when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog succeeds in looking despondent – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, considering the dog is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The reason for the split could have been more nuanced with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting every expected note. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
