It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that jointly caring for a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements impede ex-partners from finding closure, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and prove frustrating across the board. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to experience sadness.
While respecting the mental health of our pets – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. If you need prime example in pet despair, simply recall a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix played by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adapting to split households. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on this conflict holds water remains rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than its premise. It functions as a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. The plot proves to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look has the quality of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – think obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience depends on the actors' work and one's taste for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a series of adorable dog montages. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, pet moping, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach shifts uneasily between emotional depth, broad humor, formulaic romance, and silly gags, not quite landing a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the unusual premise. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her Anna can feel a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is by far the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
