It is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a canine companion following a split is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such setups impede ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to feel down.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents attest to their profound sensitivity. For a masterclass in pet despair, one need only look a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adapting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively remains a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and directed by director Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than a light film. This is a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow surrounding verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
How these standard ingredients come together into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for pet content. It provides a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, dog depression, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward inherent in the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, notably when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, the canine performer succeeds in looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to add substance to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, since the dog is undoubtedly the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for the split would feel more adult and realistic with less exposition and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – but it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video on December 10th.
