This is a widely held belief for numerous people that jointly caring for a canine companion after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups impede individuals from moving forward, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating across the board. Apparently, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.
Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – many owners observe their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with split households. The idea of basing a full holiday film on such a setup holds water seems rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – exemplified by fake snow surrounding lush pines as a summer location doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience depends on the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – those people who browse regularly for pet content. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The tone shifts uneasily between relationship drama, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a consistent feel. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward required by the unusual premise. He brings a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. The character seems a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, since Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – but it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video this December.
