It is a widely held belief in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such situations impede former couples from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and are a nuisance across the board. Seemingly, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of animals – countless people speak of their deep emotional capacity. If you need prime example in pet despair, one need only look a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by Gus the Dog, would struggle adapting to split households. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively remains debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, written by the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the ambitions are modest. The plot unfolds as uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look is reminiscent of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – as seen in fake snow clinging to green trees as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these standard ingredients come together into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for pet content. The film delivers a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach vacillates between emotional depth, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, failing to master a single genre. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the silliness and cringe inherent in the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. The character comes across as a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, the canine performer manages flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, considering the dog is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their separation would feel more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – but it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video this December.
