This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements prevent former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – pet parents attest to their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in pet despair, simply recall a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time coping with life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film on this conflict works effectively seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions remains surface-level. The narrative unfolds as simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will surely realize the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – played by familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually has the quality of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – think fake snow clinging to lush pines as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these standard ingredients come together into something enjoyable hinges on the execution and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. It provides a series of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the dog, and while this leads to some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie does offer walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. Its style vacillates between emotional depth, broad humor, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, failing to master a single genre. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny required by the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a charming humility that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. The character can feel a touch too detached, especially when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Merv himself manages acting depressed – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, considering the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more adult and realistic with less exposition and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting every expected note. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – even if it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
