This is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog following a split is a terrible idea. Most will argue such setups hinder former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Seemingly, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a standout portrayal in pet despair, simply recall recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with divided living arrangements. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance around this situation holds water is rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. It functions as a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline unfolds as straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries piled on verdant foliage as a warm climate stands in for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
How these familiar elements merge into an entertaining watch rests upon the execution and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who browse regularly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, not quite landing a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is fully game the absurd and awkward inherent in the dog resort scenario. He brings a endearing lack of ego that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a bit too dry, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, considering the title character is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation might seem more grounded and mature with less exposition and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling every expected note. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – but it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.
