This is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a pet following a split is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such arrangements prevent ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – many owners observe their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in canine melancholy, consider another performance. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adapting to split households. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on this conflict is sustainable is a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the complexity are modest. Its storyline proves to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding lush pines as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
If these standard ingredients coalesce into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who seek out for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is Merv himself, and even if it causes some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise is not earned for the human side of the story. The tone wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, considering Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their original breakup could have been more nuanced with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – though it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.
