It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that co-parenting a pet following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such situations prevent individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating across the board. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.
Not to downplay the mental health of animals – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with split households. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on this conflict works effectively is rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by director Swale, never aspires to be deeper than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the complexity are modest. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – including a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as a summer location doubles as a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
How these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness is not earned for the romantic plot. The tone wavers between emotional depth, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, never fully committing to a single genre. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a touch too detached, notably when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, since the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with less exposition and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – but it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.
