It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. Most will argue such setups prevent individuals from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying for all parties. Apparently, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners observe their deep emotional capacity. If you need standout portrayal in dog sorrow, simply recall another performance. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to split households. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on this conflict is sustainable seems a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and directed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than its premise. This is a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the complexity remains surface-level. The narrative proves to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will presumably realize the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – think fake snow surrounding verdant foliage as a summer location substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
If these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch depends on the execution and one's taste for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for pet content. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the canine star, and while this leads to some stilted moments between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The tone vacillates between serious study, broad humor, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a consistent feel. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. The character seems a bit too dry, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, the canine performer succeeds in acting depressed – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a very good boy.)
Merv tries to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, given that Merv is by far the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation would feel more adult and realistic with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Making a film on this shared-custody premise has potential – though it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.
