It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a canine companion following a split is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such arrangements prevent former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Seemingly, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.
While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people speak of their deep emotional capacity. To witness a masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water is a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. This is a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. The narrative unfolds as simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – including a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in flurries piled on green trees as North Carolina substitutes for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
If these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch rests upon the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – those people who seek out for dog videos. It provides a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the canine star, and while this leads to some stilted moments between animal action and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
The same praise cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The tone wavers between serious study, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master a single genre. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. The character comes across as a bit too dry, particularly when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself is convincing at flopping and whining – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a very good boy.)
The story strives to give weight to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering the dog is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their original breakup would feel more adult and realistic with less exposition and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.
