It is a widely held belief in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying for everyone involved. As it turns out, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in canine melancholy, consider recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with divided living arrangements. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on such a setup holds water remains a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, written by the writing duo and directed by director Swale, never aspires to be more profound than its premise. It functions as a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity remains surface-level. Its storyline proves to be straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow surrounding lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience depends on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who browse regularly for pet content. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the dog, and while this leads to some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness does not extend for the interpersonal drama. Its style shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to any one mode. This is not Charlie Cox, who is fully game the humiliating and funny inherent in the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. The character comes across as a touch too detached, especially when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, the canine performer is convincing at flopping and whining – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, given that the title character is undoubtedly the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup might seem more nuanced with more screen time and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict is not terrible – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.
