It is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. Most will argue such situations hinder individuals from healing, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to become depressed.
Without minimizing the inner life of animals – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. If you need standout portrayal in dog sorrow, consider another performance. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on such a setup works effectively is rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than a light film. This is a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – think fake snow clinging to green trees as North Carolina stands in for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
How these standard ingredients merge into a pleasant experience depends on the actors' work and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for dog videos. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and while this leads to some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, pet moping, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness does not extend for the interpersonal drama. Its style shifts uneasily between serious study, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal comes across as a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, the canine performer manages looking despondent – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a very good boy.)
The story strives to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, considering the dog is by far the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for the split might seem more nuanced with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, meeting every expected note. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – but it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
