It is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a canine companion after a breakup is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede individuals from moving forward, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating across the board. As it turns out, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners attest to their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to split households. The idea of basing a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable is a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and directed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the complexity remains surface-level. The narrative unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – think flurries clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location substitutes for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
If these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – those people who browse regularly for pet content. It provides a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the dog, and while this leads to some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Human Element
This level of success does not extend for the human side of the story. The film's approach vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. The character comes across as a touch too detached, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since the dog is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation could have been more nuanced with less exposition and fewer direct statements. 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 stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Prime Video on December 10th.
