This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that sharing custody a dog post-separation is ill-advised. Most will argue such arrangements impede individuals from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and prove frustrating across the board. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of animals – many owners observe their profound sensitivity. If you need prime example in pet despair, one need only look recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a full holiday film on such a setup holds water is a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. The plot is destined to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will surely realize the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding lush pines as a warm climate stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
If these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience hinges on the execution and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a wealth of adorable dog montages. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success is not earned for the romantic plot. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and silly gags, not quite landing any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward inherent in the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a touch too detached, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, considering the dog is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their separation would feel more nuanced with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling every expected note. Creating a movie with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – even if it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.
