This is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such setups prevent individuals from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance across the board. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. If you need masterclass in pet despair, simply recall a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix played by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a full holiday film on such a setup is sustainable seems a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, never aspires to be deeper than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the complexity are modest. The narrative proves to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic has the quality of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – think fake snow piled on verdant foliage as North Carolina substitutes for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these standard ingredients coalesce into something enjoyable hinges on the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who scroll endlessly for pet content. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the canine star, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and people's faces, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, dog depression, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward inherent in the unusual premise. He brings a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a bit too dry, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Merv himself is convincing at acting depressed – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a very good boy.)
The film attempts to add substance to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their original breakup could have been more grounded and mature with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – though it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.
