It is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a dog following a split is a terrible idea. Most will argue such setups impede former couples from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to become depressed.
While respecting the inner life of dogs – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. If you need masterclass in pet despair, one need only look another performance. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on this conflict holds water is rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than a light film. It functions as a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions are modest. The narrative proves to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – think fake snow clinging to green trees as North Carolina stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
How these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch rests upon the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the canine star, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and silly gags, not quite landing a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny required by the dog resort scenario. He brings a likable self-deprecation that supplies much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. The character seems a bit too dry, particularly when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, the canine performer is convincing at flopping and whining – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)
The story strives to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, since the title character is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for the split would feel more grounded and mature with more screen time and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting has potential – but it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.
