It is a widely held belief in certain circles that sharing custody a pet following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups impede ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying for all parties. Apparently, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – many owners attest to their remarkable empathy. For a masterclass in pet despair, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on this conflict works effectively is a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the depth are modest. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – played by a group of comedic actors – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic has the quality of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – exemplified by flurries surrounding verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
If these predictable parts merge into something enjoyable rests upon the execution and one's taste for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who browse regularly for pet content. It provides a series 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 dog beach fun, dog depression, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that provides much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a touch too detached, notably when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, the canine performer is convincing at looking despondent – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more grounded and mature with more screen time and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting has potential – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
