It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a canine companion following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups impede individuals from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of animals – many owners observe their deep emotional capacity. If you need standout portrayal in canine melancholy, consider recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance around this situation holds water seems debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. The narrative proves to be straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – played by a group of comedic actors – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in flurries clinging to lush pines as North Carolina doubles as a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
If these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience rests upon the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – those people who seek out for pet content. It provides a series of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the canine star, and while this leads to some stilted moments between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The tone wavers between emotional depth, broad humor, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, failing to master a single genre. This is not Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. He brings a endearing lack of ego that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. The character comes across as a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages flopping and whining – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, considering Merv is easily the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their separation might seem more grounded and mature with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.
