This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that sharing custody a canine companion following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements prevent ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and become annoying for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. If you need prime example in canine melancholy, consider another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult coping with split households. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively is debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than its premise. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. The narrative unfolds as uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – think fake snow piled on green trees as a summer location doubles as a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these familiar elements coalesce into an entertaining watch rests upon the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, dog depression, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style wavers between serious study, broad humor, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, particularly when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, the canine performer manages looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)
The film attempts to add substance to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, given that the title character is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with more screen time and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.
