It is a common warning in certain circles that sharing custody a dog post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such arrangements hinder former couples from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.
Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – pet parents speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would struggle adapting to split households. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on this conflict works effectively remains rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than what it is. It functions as a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline unfolds as simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – featuring familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. The film's look has the quality of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – exemplified by fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
This level of success cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The tone shifts uneasily between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not Charlie Cox, who is fully game the absurd and awkward inherent in the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, the canine performer succeeds in flopping and whining – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since the title character is undoubtedly the best part of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, hitting every expected note. Crafting a story with this canine conflict is not terrible – even if I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.
