This is a common warning among many that sharing custody a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements hinder ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. As it turns out, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, simply recall a past film. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to split households. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively remains rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. The narrative is destined to be simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects piled on green trees as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
If these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable rests upon the actors' work and one's taste for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who browse regularly for pet content. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach vacillates between emotional depth, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, failing to master any one mode. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the humiliating and funny demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself succeeds in flopping and whining – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, since Merv is easily the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their separation would feel more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film with this canine conflict is not terrible – but it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video this December.
