It is a widely held belief in certain circles that sharing custody a canine companion following a split is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such situations prevent ex-partners from healing, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and become annoying for everyone involved. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents speak of their remarkable empathy. For a masterclass in pet despair, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog played by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with divided living arrangements. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation holds water seems rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than its premise. This is a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by fake snow piled on verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
If these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who seek out for pet content. It provides a plethora of adorable dog montages. The central draw is Merv himself, and while this leads to some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie does offer canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. The tone shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a touch too detached, notably when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, the canine performer manages flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)
The story strives to add substance to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, given that Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for the split could have been more adult and realistic with less exposition and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – even if it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
