This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that sharing custody a pet post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups impede former couples from healing, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for all parties. Seemingly, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of our pets – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in pet despair, consider another performance. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time coping with split households. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on such a setup works effectively seems debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth are modest. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: 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, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will surely realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – including 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 obviously artificial – think fake snow surrounding lush pines as a summer location doubles as a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
How these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. It provides a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
This level of success cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master a single genre. This is not Cox's performance, who is fully game the humiliating and funny required by the dog resort scenario. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. The character seems a little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Merv himself manages looking despondent – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains an excellent dog.)
The story strives to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering the dog is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their original breakup would feel more adult and realistic with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – even if it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
