It is a widely held belief in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet following a split is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such situations impede individuals from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of our pets – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in pet despair, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to split households. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on this conflict is sustainable is rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity is limited. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including familiar faces – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – exemplified by flurries clinging to lush pines as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
How these familiar elements merge into an entertaining watch depends on the execution and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – those people who seek out for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the dog, and while this leads to some awkward editing between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, pet moping, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Human Element
This level of success does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between emotional depth, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, failing to master any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the unusual premise. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that provides much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog succeeds in looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)
The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, given that the dog is easily the best part of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with less exposition and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, hitting all its marks. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise has potential – though it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.
