This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that sharing custody a canine companion after a breakup is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede former couples from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and become annoying across the board. Seemingly, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
While respecting the inner life of animals – countless people observe their remarkable empathy. If you need masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adapting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable is debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than a light film. This is a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions remains surface-level. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will surely rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – exemplified by fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
If these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience hinges on the execution and one's taste for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who scroll endlessly for pet content. It provides a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie does offer dog beach fun, dog depression, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, not quite landing any one mode. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a little too aloof, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, the canine performer manages acting depressed – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, given that the dog is easily the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their original breakup might seem more adult and realistic with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, hitting every expected note. Crafting a story with this canine conflict is not terrible – but it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
