This is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is ill-advised. Most will argue such arrangements impede individuals from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – many owners observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, consider recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by Gus the Dog, would struggle adjusting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on such a setup holds water seems debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and directed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. This is a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the complexity remains surface-level. Its storyline unfolds as simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will presumably realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Visually has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – exemplified by fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as North Carolina doubles as the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these familiar elements merge into something enjoyable depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who seek out for dog videos. Audiences receive a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some awkward editing between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, pet moping, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success cannot be applied for the romantic plot. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not Cox's performance, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a likable self-deprecation that supplies much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. The character can feel a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)
Merv tries to give weight to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is by far the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their separation might seem more adult and realistic with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting every expected note. Creating a movie with this canine conflict has potential – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv streams on Prime Video this December.
