It is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a dog post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede former couples from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and become annoying for everyone involved. Seemingly, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.
Without minimizing the mental health of our pets – many owners observe their profound sensitivity. If you need standout portrayal in pet despair, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with divided living arrangements. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict holds water remains debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the complexity are modest. The narrative proves to be straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will surely rediscover the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – including familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Visually has the quality of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – as seen in fake snow piled on lush pines as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these standard ingredients coalesce into a pleasant experience hinges on the execution and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for dog videos. It provides a series of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, pet moping, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Human Element
This level of success cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the bizarre setting. He brings a likable self-deprecation that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna seems a touch too detached, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, the canine performer manages flopping and whining – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, since the title character is easily the best part of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The cause for the split could have been more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film with this canine conflict is not terrible – even if it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video this December.
