It is a widely held belief in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede former couples from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Seemingly, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the mental health of animals – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, consider recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively remains a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than its premise. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the ambitions is limited. The plot is destined to be straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Side characters – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – as seen in fake snow surrounding lush pines as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these familiar elements coalesce into something enjoyable rests upon the execution and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who browse regularly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. The tone shifts uneasily between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny inherent in the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. The character seems a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, considering the dog is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their original breakup would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video this December.
