This is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a dog following a split is a terrible idea. Most will argue such setups prevent former couples from finding closure, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and become annoying for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – many owners observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a standout portrayal in pet despair, one need only look a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog played by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adapting to split households. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on such a setup works effectively remains debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than a light film. We have here a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow piled on green trees as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these predictable parts coalesce into something enjoyable rests upon the execution and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – those people who seek out for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a single genre. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a charming humility that provides much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal comes across as a little too aloof, especially when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog manages flopping and whining – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since the title character is by far the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their separation might seem more adult and realistic with less exposition and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – even if it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
