It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups impede former couples from finding closure, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – many owners observe their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in pet despair, one need only look recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adapting to life in two homes. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on such a setup holds water seems rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by director Swale, never aspires to be more profound than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. The plot proves to be simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Side characters – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – as seen in fake snow clinging to green trees as a warm climate substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
If these familiar elements merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is Merv himself, and even if it causes some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, dog depression, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise cannot be applied for the romantic plot. Its style shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, not quite landing a single genre. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, particularly when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog succeeds in flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)
The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, considering the dog is by far the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The cause for the split would feel more grounded and mature with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.
