This is a widely held belief among many that sharing custody a dog after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such setups impede former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance across the board. Seemingly, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – many owners attest to their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adapting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom on this conflict is sustainable seems debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and directed by director Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than its premise. This is a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions is limited. The narrative unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – including familiar faces – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look has the quality of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – think flurries surrounding green trees as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
How these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience hinges on the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – those people who browse regularly for pet content. It provides a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. Its style wavers between emotional depth, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and silly gags, not quite landing a single genre. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. The character can feel a little too aloof, notably when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still 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 undoubtedly the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their separation would feel more adult and realistic with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – though I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.
