It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that sharing custody a pet post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements hinder ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to feel down.
While respecting the mental health of animals – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. For a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, consider a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult coping with divided living arrangements. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on such a setup is sustainable remains a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and directed by director Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than a light film. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by fake snow piled on lush pines as North Carolina stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
If these standard ingredients merge into a pleasant experience rests upon the actors' work and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the dog, and while this leads to some stilted moments between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, dog depression, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. The tone wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the humiliating and funny demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. The character comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Merv himself is convincing at looking despondent – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a very good boy.)
The story strives to give weight to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, considering the title character is undoubtedly the cutest element of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation would feel more nuanced with more screen time and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film with this canine conflict is not terrible – even if I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
