It is a widely held belief among many that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations prevent individuals from moving forward, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and become annoying for everyone involved. As it turns out, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to feel down.
While respecting the mental health of dogs – many owners observe their deep emotional capacity. To witness a masterclass in pet despair, one need only look a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film on this conflict works effectively remains a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity are modest. The narrative proves to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in flurries clinging to verdant foliage as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
If these standard ingredients coalesce into a pleasant experience hinges on the strength of the performances and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – individuals who browse regularly for cute animal clips. It provides a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the canine star, and while this leads to some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, pet moping, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise is not earned for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the humiliating and funny demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer is convincing at looking despondent – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a very good boy.)
The story strives to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, since Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for the split could have been more nuanced with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film with this canine conflict is not terrible – though I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
