This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that sharing custody a pet post-separation is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations prevent individuals from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the inner life of animals – many owners attest to their remarkable empathy. If you need standout portrayal in canine melancholy, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adapting to split households. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on this conflict works effectively seems debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and directed by director Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the ambitions remains surface-level. The narrative unfolds as simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will surely rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – think flurries clinging to verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience hinges on the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who scroll endlessly for pet content. It provides a series of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is Merv himself, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe inherent in the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a charming humility that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna can feel a little too aloof, particularly when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Gus the Dog manages flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)
Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more grounded and mature with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
