It is a widely held belief in certain circles that sharing custody a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such setups hinder ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for all parties. Seemingly, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – many owners observe their deep emotional capacity. If you need prime example in pet despair, one need only look another performance. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to split households. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance around this situation holds water seems rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. This is a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth is limited. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – think fake snow clinging to green trees as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
How these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable hinges on the execution and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the canine star, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, pet moping, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, not quite landing any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is fully game the absurd and awkward inherent in the unusual premise. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself is convincing at flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)
Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more adult and realistic with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – even if it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.
