It is a widely held belief 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 healing, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. As it turns out, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to become depressed.
Not to downplay the inner life of animals – many owners observe their profound sensitivity. For a masterclass in pet despair, one need only look another performance. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type played by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a full holiday film on such a setup holds water seems rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. This is a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the complexity are modest. Its storyline unfolds as simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding lush pines as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
How these standard ingredients coalesce into something enjoyable rests upon the execution and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for dog videos. Audiences receive a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the canine star, and while this leads to some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style shifts uneasily between serious study, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and silly gags, not quite landing a consistent feel. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is fully game the absurd and awkward inherent in the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her Anna can feel a touch too detached, particularly when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog succeeds in flopping and whining – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to add substance to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is easily the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The cause for their original breakup could have been more grounded and mature with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict has potential – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.
