It is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such arrangements hinder individuals from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance across the board. Seemingly, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.
While respecting the inner life of animals – many owners speak of their remarkable empathy. For a masterclass in dog sorrow, one need only look a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict works effectively remains a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. The narrative unfolds as simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – featuring a group of comedic actors – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look carries the feel of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as North Carolina substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these standard ingredients come together into something enjoyable rests upon the strength of the performances and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for cute animal clips. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise does not extend for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between serious study, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and silly gags, not quite landing any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the unusual premise. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that offers much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna can feel a touch too detached, especially when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, the canine performer succeeds in flopping and whining – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains an excellent dog.)
The story strives to add substance to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, given that Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The cause for their original breakup could have been more adult and realistic with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – but it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Prime Video this December.
