This is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a pet after a breakup is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations hinder ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and prove frustrating across the board. Apparently, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the inner life of our pets – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, simply recall recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by Gus the Dog, would struggle adapting to split households. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on this conflict holds water remains a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and directed by director Swale, never aspires to be deeper than its premise. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – including familiar faces – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – as seen in fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location substitutes for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
How these standard ingredients come together into something enjoyable hinges on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who browse regularly for pet content. The film delivers a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
This level of success does not extend for the human side of the story. The film's approach shifts uneasily between relationship drama, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master a single genre. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the silliness and cringe inherent in the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna can feel a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, the canine performer manages acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The film attempts to add substance to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, considering the title character is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their separation would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling all its marks. Making a film on this shared-custody premise has potential – even if it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Prime Video on December 10th.
