It is a common warning among many that sharing custody a pet following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – countless people attest to their remarkable empathy. For a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, one need only look recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adapting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on this conflict works effectively remains rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. It functions as a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the depth is limited. The narrative unfolds as simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as a warm climate doubles as a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
How these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch hinges on the strength of the performances and one's taste for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who browse regularly for cute animal clips. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the canine star, and even if it causes some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, pet moping, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style vacillates between serious study, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, not quite landing a consistent feel. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is fully game the humiliating and funny demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a touch too detached, notably when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in flopping and whining – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, given that the title character is easily the best part of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for the split would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting every expected note. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – but it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Prime Video on December 10th.
