This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such setups impede individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to become depressed.
Without minimizing the inner life of dogs – many owners attest to their deep emotional capacity. If you need prime example in pet despair, consider another performance. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would struggle adjusting to split households. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance around this situation holds water seems debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity remains surface-level. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in fake snow clinging to lush pines as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these standard ingredients coalesce into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who scroll endlessly for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, pet moping, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, not quite landing any one mode. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is fully game the humiliating and funny required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal comes across as a touch too detached, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer is convincing at flopping and whining – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, since the dog 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 grounded and mature with more screen time and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film on this shared-custody premise has potential – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video this December.
