It is a widely held belief among many that jointly caring for a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such arrangements prevent ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating across the board. Seemingly, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – many owners observe their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in pet despair, one need only look recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would struggle coping with divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a full holiday film on this conflict works effectively is a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, written by the writing duo and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. The narrative proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – exemplified by flurries piled on green trees as North Carolina stands in for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts coalesce into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – those people who scroll endlessly for dog videos. It provides a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is Merv himself, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, pet moping, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise cannot be applied for the human side of the story. Its style vacillates between relationship drama, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. The character comes across as a bit too dry, particularly when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Gus the Dog manages acting depressed – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The story strives to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, considering Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their original breakup would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – even if it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.
