This is a widely held belief for numerous people that sharing custody a dog following a split is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations prevent ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for all parties. Seemingly, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to experience sadness.
While respecting the inner life of our pets – pet parents attest to their remarkable empathy. If you need prime example in pet despair, one need only look another performance. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adapting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation works effectively remains rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. It functions as a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth are modest. The plot proves to be simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – featuring a group of comedic actors – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by fake snow piled on lush pines as North Carolina substitutes for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who browse regularly for cute animal clips. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is Merv himself, and while this leads to some awkward editing between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The tone shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. The character can feel a bit too dry, especially when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, the canine performer is convincing at looking despondent – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, since the title character is by far the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling every expected note. Creating a movie with this canine conflict is not terrible – but I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Prime Video this December.
