This is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a dog post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements prevent former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying for all parties. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.
Without minimizing the mental health of animals – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in pet despair, one need only look another performance. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult coping with split households. The idea of basing a full holiday film on this conflict holds water remains rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than what it is. We have here a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity are modest. The plot is destined to be straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – including familiar faces – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look has the quality of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – think fake snow surrounding verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
If these standard ingredients merge into something enjoyable depends on the actors' work and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – the kind who browse regularly for pet content. It provides a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the dog, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action 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 interpersonal drama. The tone vacillates between emotional depth, broad humor, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, not quite landing a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is fully game the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal seems a touch too detached, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, the canine performer is convincing at looking despondent – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to give weight to the central romance for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, since 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 their original breakup could have been more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – but it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video on December 10th.
