It is a common warning among many that sharing custody a pet post-separation is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such arrangements prevent ex-partners from healing, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for all parties. Seemingly, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – countless people speak of their deep emotional capacity. If you need prime example in pet despair, simply recall recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation holds water is rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions is limited. The plot is destined to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – including familiar faces – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to green trees as a warm climate stands in for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
How these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and one's taste for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – those people who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The tone shifts uneasily between serious study, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe demanded of the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a charming humility that provides much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character comes across as a touch too detached, especially when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Merv himself is convincing at looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since the title character is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their separation might seem more adult and realistic with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting every expected note. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – though it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.
