This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such situations prevent former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying for everyone involved. As it turns out, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.
While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type played by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with split households. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance around this situation holds water is rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. We have here a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth are modest. The narrative proves to be straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – including a group of comedic actors – serve as the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – think flurries clinging to lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these standard ingredients come together into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a series of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness is not earned for the romantic plot. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, not quite landing a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna seems a bit too dry, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself manages acting depressed – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, hitting all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video this December.
