It is a widely held belief among many that jointly caring for a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups prevent ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying for everyone involved. Seemingly, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the mental health of animals – pet parents observe their deep emotional capacity. For a prime example in pet despair, simply recall a past film. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation works effectively seems rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the complexity are modest. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – including a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
If 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 knows its audience – individuals who seek out for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie does offer dog beach fun, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The film's approach shifts uneasily between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. His performance contains a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna comes across as a bit too dry, particularly when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a very good boy.)
The film attempts to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since the title character is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for the split might seem more adult and realistic with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – though it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
