It is a widely held belief in certain circles that co-parenting a pet following a split is ill-advised. Most will argue such arrangements impede ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and are a nuisance across the board. Seemingly, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to feel down.
While respecting the inner life of our pets – countless people attest to their remarkable empathy. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, consider recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation works effectively is rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than its premise. It functions as a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the depth is limited. The narrative unfolds as straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – featuring a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to green trees as a summer location stands in for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these standard ingredients come together into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. The film delivers a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The tone shifts uneasily between relationship drama, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a single genre. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the dog resort scenario. He brings a endearing lack of ego that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna can feel a bit too dry, especially when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split would feel more nuanced with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Crafting a story with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – though it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.
