This is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements hinder ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in canine melancholy, consider recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable seems a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of director Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the complexity remains surface-level. The narrative unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in fake snow surrounding green trees as North Carolina doubles as the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a series of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the canine star, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a single genre. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the unusual premise. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. The character seems a bit too dry, especially when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself is convincing at looking despondent – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a very good boy.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is easily the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The cause for the split would feel more grounded and mature with more screen time and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting every expected note. Making a film on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – though it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
