This is a widely held belief in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such situations prevent individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – many owners speak of their profound sensitivity. If you need prime example in pet despair, one need only look another performance. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time coping with divided living arrangements. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict works effectively is debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than its premise. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. The narrative is destined to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – exemplified by fake snow surrounding verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
If these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer dog beach fun, pet moping, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, not quite landing a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is fully game the silliness and cringe required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna can feel a touch too detached, notably when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, the canine performer manages acting depressed – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a very good boy.)
Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, considering the dog is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – though it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video this December.
