It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a dog after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements impede individuals from healing, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – many owners observe their profound sensitivity. For a masterclass in pet despair, simply recall recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to split households. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on such a setup is sustainable is debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, written by the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. This is a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the complexity are modest. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to verdant foliage as North Carolina doubles as the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
How these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch rests upon the execution and one's taste for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – those people who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a series of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style vacillates between relationship drama, broad humor, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe demanded of the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a touch too detached, notably when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog succeeds in acting depressed – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The cause for their original breakup might seem more adult and realistic with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – but I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Prime Video on December 10th.
