This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such situations hinder ex-partners from healing, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. Seemingly, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to feel down.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in pet despair, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time coping with life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict holds water seems rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, written by the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – including familiar faces – serve as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – think flurries surrounding lush pines as a summer location doubles as a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
How these standard ingredients merge into a pleasant experience hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who scroll endlessly for pet content. It provides a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness is not earned for the romantic plot. The film's approach vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, failing to master any one mode. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe inherent in the unusual premise. He brings a endearing lack of ego that provides much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, 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 story strives to provide depth to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, since the title character is undoubtedly the best part of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The cause for their original breakup might seem more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video this December.
