This is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a dog after a breakup is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such situations prevent former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to become depressed.
Without minimizing the inner life of dogs – pet parents speak of their profound sensitivity. For a masterclass in dog sorrow, one need only look a past film. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would struggle adapting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom on this conflict works effectively remains rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, written by its screenwriters and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than its premise. This is a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity remains surface-level. The narrative is destined to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually has the quality of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding lush pines as a summer location doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these familiar elements coalesce into a pleasant experience hinges on the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise cannot be applied for the human side of the story. Its style wavers between relationship drama, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna comes across as a touch too detached, notably when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, the canine performer manages acting depressed – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)
Merv tries to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering the dog is by far the cutest element of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting every expected note. Crafting a story with this canine conflict is not terrible – even if I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
