This is a widely held belief in certain circles that sharing custody a pet following a split is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such situations impede individuals from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. As it turns out, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – countless people observe their remarkable empathy. If you need standout portrayal in dog sorrow, simply recall a past film. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would struggle coping with life in two homes. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom around this situation works effectively seems rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by its screenwriters and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions is limited. The narrative unfolds as straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will surely realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries piled on lush pines as a warm climate doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
If these familiar elements come together into something enjoyable rests upon the strength of the performances and one's taste for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a series of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between emotional depth, broad humor, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a consistent feel. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward inherent in the bizarre setting. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. The character can feel a little too aloof, notably when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, since the dog is by far the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – though it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video this December.
