This is a widely held belief in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements hinder ex-partners from healing, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. As it turns out, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.
Not to downplay the mental health of animals – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in canine melancholy, one need only look another performance. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would struggle coping with divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a full holiday film on such a setup works effectively remains a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, written by its screenwriters and helmed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than a light film. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity are modest. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – played by familiar faces – serve as the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects piled on lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
How these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable hinges on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who scroll endlessly for pet content. The film delivers a plethora of adorable dog montages. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, dog depression, and, in the end, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, predictable love story, and silly gags, not quite landing a single genre. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the humiliating and funny inherent in the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a little too aloof, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to add substance to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, given that the title character is by far the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split could have been more grounded and mature with more screen time and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.
