This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a dog post-separation is a terrible idea. Most will argue such setups impede ex-partners from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – countless people speak of their remarkable empathy. If you need masterclass in pet despair, one need only look recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on this conflict works effectively is a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than its premise. It functions as a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions is limited. The narrative proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – including a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to green trees as North Carolina stands in for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these predictable parts coalesce into something enjoyable depends on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the canine star, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, pet moping, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness is not earned for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, not quite landing a single genre. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the silliness and cringe required by the dog resort scenario. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a bit too dry, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer manages acting depressed – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, given that Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split could have been more adult and realistic with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting is not terrible – but it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.
