It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is ill-advised. Most will argue such arrangements hinder individuals from healing, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people speak of their deep emotional capacity. If you need masterclass in pet despair, simply recall recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with split households. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on such a setup holds water seems a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity are modest. Its storyline proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – as seen in flurries clinging to green trees as North Carolina substitutes for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
How these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and while this leads to some stilted moments between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie does offer canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Human Element
This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. The tone shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, failing to master a single genre. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. The character comes across as a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, the canine performer is convincing at looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The film attempts to give weight to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their separation could have been more nuanced with less exposition and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – but I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.
