It is a widely held belief among many that sharing custody a dog post-separation is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede individuals from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to become depressed.
Without minimizing the inner life of dogs – many owners speak of their remarkable empathy. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including a group of comedic actors – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – exemplified by fake snow clinging to lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
How these predictable parts coalesce into an entertaining watch rests upon the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for pet content. It provides a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the human side of the story. Its style wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, not quite landing a single genre. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a touch too detached, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, the canine performer is convincing at flopping and whining – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their original breakup might seem more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting every expected note. Creating a movie with this canine conflict has potential – though it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
