This is a widely held belief for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such arrangements impede ex-partners from finding closure, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and become annoying for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of animals – countless people speak of their deep emotional capacity. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, one need only look another performance. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with divided living arrangements. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on this conflict works effectively seems rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. The narrative proves to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects piled on green trees as North Carolina substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
How these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch rests upon the execution and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for pet content. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is Merv himself, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to a single genre. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, notably when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself is convincing at acting depressed – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is by far the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their original breakup might seem more grounded and mature with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – but it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.
