It is a widely held belief for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such situations impede former couples from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.
While respecting the inner life of dogs – countless people attest to their remarkable empathy. If you need prime example in pet despair, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation holds water is a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and helmed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity remains surface-level. The narrative is destined to be straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. The film's look has the quality of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – think flurries piled on green trees as North Carolina doubles as the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
If these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable hinges on the execution and one's taste for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. It provides a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the canine star, and while this leads to some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness does not extend for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, not quite landing any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is fully game the silliness and cringe inherent in the unusual premise. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that provides much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna can feel a bit too dry, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer succeeds in flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)
The story strives to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, since Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their original breakup could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling all its marks. Making a film on this shared-custody premise has potential – even if I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform this December.
