This is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog following a split is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such situations prevent individuals from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to become depressed.
Without minimizing the mental health of animals – many owners observe their deep emotional capacity. For a masterclass in pet despair, one need only look recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog brought to life by Gus the Dog, would struggle adapting to split households. Whether this premise a full holiday film on such a setup is sustainable remains rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. This is a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. The narrative proves to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – think flurries surrounding verdant foliage as North Carolina stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
If these predictable parts coalesce into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie does offer canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, in the end, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, not quite landing a consistent feel. This is not Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward inherent in the unusual premise. He brings a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna seems a little too aloof, particularly when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, the canine performer is convincing at acting depressed – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for the split would feel more adult and realistic with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – though it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
