This is a widely held belief in certain circles that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements hinder former couples from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and become annoying for all parties. As it turns out, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. To witness a prime example in pet despair, simply recall a past film. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time coping with divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation works effectively remains a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, written by the writing duo and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity remains surface-level. The narrative unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will surely realize the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – think obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
If these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience rests upon the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who browse regularly for cute animal clips. It provides a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
This level of success is not earned for the romantic plot. The tone wavers between serious study, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, failing to master any one mode. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that provides much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, given that the title character is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling every expected note. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – even if it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video this December.
