It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog following a split is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such arrangements hinder ex-partners from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and prove frustrating across the board. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to become depressed.
While respecting the inner life of animals – countless people observe their remarkable empathy. If you need masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time coping with life in two homes. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on this conflict is sustainable seems rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, written by its screenwriters and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than its premise. This is a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the depth is limited. The narrative unfolds as straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by fake snow piled on verdant foliage as North Carolina stands in for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these predictable parts coalesce into something enjoyable hinges on the execution and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, in the end, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the romantic plot. Its style wavers between serious study, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, not quite landing a consistent feel. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is fully game the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that supplies much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself is convincing at looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, since Merv is easily the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for the split would feel more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video on December 10th.
