This is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog following a split is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations prevent former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Without minimizing the inner life of our pets – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to split households. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on this conflict holds water seems rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than what it is. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. The narrative is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – featuring familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – exemplified by flurries clinging to verdant foliage as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
If these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the actors' work and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who browse regularly for pet content. It provides a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is Merv himself, and while this leads to some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success is not earned for the romantic plot. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, failing to master any one mode. This is not Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe demanded of the unusual premise. He brings a charming humility that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. The character can feel a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, the canine performer is convincing at acting depressed – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, given that the title character is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The cause for their original breakup would feel more adult and realistic with less exposition and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting every expected note. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – though it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.
