This is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements hinder former couples from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and become annoying for all parties. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to feel down.
Not to downplay the inner life of our pets – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on such a setup works effectively is a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and helmed by director Swale, never aspires to be more profound than what it is. This is a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity remains surface-level. Its storyline unfolds as straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will surely realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding lush pines as North Carolina substitutes for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
How these standard ingredients come together into a pleasant experience depends on the actors' work and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who browse regularly for cute animal clips. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The film's approach vacillates between serious study, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a single genre. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the absurd and awkward inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)
The story strives to give weight to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, since Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their separation might seem more nuanced with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise has potential – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.
