It is a common warning among many that sharing custody a canine companion following a split is ill-advised. Most will argue such setups impede former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating across the board. Seemingly, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.
While respecting the mental health of our pets – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. For a masterclass in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on this conflict works effectively is debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. This is a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the ambitions is limited. The narrative unfolds as simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries surrounding verdant foliage as North Carolina doubles as the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
How these predictable parts coalesce into an entertaining watch hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – those people who scroll endlessly for pet content. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, pet moping, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. The film's approach vacillates between emotional depth, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward demanded of the unusual premise. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that supplies much of the film's charm 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 portrayal seems a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Merv himself is convincing at flopping and whining – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a very good boy.)
The story strives to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, given that the dog is easily the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their separation might seem more grounded and mature with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – but it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
