This is a common warning in certain circles that sharing custody a pet following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such situations prevent individuals from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for all parties. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the inner life of dogs – countless people observe their remarkable empathy. For a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, one need only look a past film. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time coping with split households. Whether this premise a full holiday film on such a setup holds water seems debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than its premise. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the ambitions is limited. The plot is destined to be straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – featuring a group of comedic actors – serve as the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – as seen in fake snow surrounding lush pines as a summer location doubles as a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these predictable parts coalesce into an entertaining watch rests upon the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The central draw is Merv himself, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style vacillates between emotional depth, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not Charlie Cox, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the dog resort scenario. He brings a charming humility that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, particularly when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, the canine performer manages acting depressed – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, considering the dog is easily the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their original breakup might seem more nuanced with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting is not terrible – but I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Prime Video on December 10th.
