This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion following a split is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such arrangements prevent ex-partners from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. As it turns out, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in canine melancholy, consider a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time coping with divided living arrangements. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on this conflict holds water is a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions are modest. The narrative is destined to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will surely realize the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – think fake snow surrounding verdant foliage as North Carolina doubles as the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable rests upon the actors' work and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise is not earned for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between serious study, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, failing to master a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a charming humility that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a bit too dry, especially when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, the canine performer is convincing at looking despondent – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to add substance to the central romance for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The cause for the split might seem more grounded and mature with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Prime Video this December.
