It is a widely held belief among many that sharing custody a canine companion following a split is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such situations hinder individuals from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the mental health of dogs – pet parents attest to their deep emotional capacity. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, consider a past film. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adapting to life in two homes. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on this conflict holds water is rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than its premise. It functions as a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth is limited. Its storyline proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – featuring familiar faces – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries clinging to lush pines as North Carolina stands in for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
If these familiar elements come together into something enjoyable depends on the actors' work and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is Merv himself, and while this leads to some awkward editing between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie does offer walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style wavers between emotional depth, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, failing to master any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the absurd and awkward demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to add substance to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, given that the title character is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their separation might seem more adult and realistic with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, hitting all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – even if it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Prime Video this December.
