This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that sharing custody a dog post-separation is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such setups hinder former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the mental health of animals – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, consider 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 adapting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation holds water seems rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. The narrative is destined to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will surely realize the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – exemplified by fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as North Carolina stands in for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
If these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie does offer canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a single genre. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny inherent in the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a touch too detached, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, given that the title character is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film with this canine conflict is not terrible – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
