It is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is ill-advised. Most will argue such arrangements prevent individuals from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the mental health of our pets – pet parents attest to their deep emotional capacity. To witness a masterclass in pet despair, simply recall a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type played by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable is a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and helmed by director Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the depth is limited. Its storyline proves to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will surely realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – think obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
How these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience rests upon the actors' work and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who browse regularly for pet content. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness does not extend for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between serious study, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a single genre. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a charming humility that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, the canine performer is convincing at acting depressed – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to add substance to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, given that Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The reason for the split would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Creating a movie with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – but it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
