It is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a dog post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such situations hinder individuals from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying across the board. As it turns out, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to feel down.
Without minimizing the mental health of our pets – pet parents attest to their deep emotional capacity. If you need standout portrayal in canine melancholy, one need only look another performance. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would struggle coping with split households. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation is sustainable seems a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. We have here a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth are modest. The narrative proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Visually has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by flurries clinging to verdant foliage as a warm climate stands in for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
If these standard ingredients come together into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and while this leads to some stilted moments between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer dog beach fun, pet moping, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness is not earned for the romantic plot. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is fully game the silliness and cringe required by the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that provides much of the film's charm 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. The character seems a little too aloof, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog succeeds in acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The story strives to give weight to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, since the dog is by far the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation might seem more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie with this canine conflict has potential – though it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
