This is a widely held belief for numerous people that sharing custody a pet following a split is a terrible idea. Most will argue such situations prevent former couples from finding closure, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and are a nuisance across the board. Seemingly, as a development suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.
While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners observe their deep emotional capacity. To witness a standout portrayal in pet despair, simply recall a past film. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by Gus the Dog, would struggle adapting to split households. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on this conflict holds water is a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. Its storyline proves to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – played by familiar faces – serve as the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by fake snow surrounding verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
If these standard ingredients merge into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The film's approach shifts uneasily between relationship drama, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that offers much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna seems a touch too detached, notably when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, the canine performer is convincing at flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, considering Merv is easily the cutest element of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for the split could have been more nuanced with less exposition and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video this December.
