This is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such setups hinder former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. As it turns out, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to become depressed.
While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – pet parents speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in pet despair, one need only look another performance. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation holds water seems a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than its premise. We have here a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. Its storyline proves to be straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – featuring a group of comedic actors – serve as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow clinging to green trees as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience rests upon the strength of the performances and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some clunky cuts between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie does offer dog beach fun, pet moping, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness is not earned for the romantic plot. Its style wavers between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, failing to master any one mode. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that provides much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Merv himself manages acting depressed – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to give weight to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since Merv is easily the best part 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 less exposition and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting every expected note. Crafting a story with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – though it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video this December.
