It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that sharing custody a canine companion after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations impede ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to become depressed.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of dogs – pet parents attest to their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on this conflict works effectively seems rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions are modest. The narrative is destined to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – including familiar faces – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as a warm climate stands in for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
How these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and one's taste for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for dog videos. It provides a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style wavers between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the absurd and awkward demanded of the unusual premise. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a bit too dry, notably when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, the canine performer manages acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, since Merv is easily the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation might seem more grounded and mature with less exposition and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – but it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Prime Video on December 10th.
