This is a common warning among many that sharing custody a dog after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements hinder ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.
Without minimizing the inner life of animals – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. If you need prime example in pet despair, one need only look recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would struggle coping with split households. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable seems debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than what it is. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the depth is limited. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as a summer location substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
How these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience rests upon the actors' work and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who scroll endlessly for pet content. Audiences receive a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between emotional depth, broad humor, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a single genre. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal seems a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages acting depressed – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a very good boy.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, given that Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for the split would feel more adult and realistic with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, hitting every expected note. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video on December 10th.
