It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such setups hinder former couples from healing, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and become annoying for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to feel down.
While respecting the mental health of dogs – countless people observe their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would struggle adjusting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a full holiday film on such a setup holds water is a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions remains surface-level. Its storyline unfolds as straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – played by familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding lush pines as North Carolina stands in for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these standard ingredients come together into an entertaining watch hinges on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for pet content. The film delivers a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie does offer dog beach fun, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between emotional depth, broad humor, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, failing to master any one mode. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the dog resort scenario. His performance contains 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, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a little too aloof, particularly when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, the canine performer succeeds in acting depressed – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains an excellent dog.)
The story strives to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, since Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The reason for their original breakup might seem more adult and realistic with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – though it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.
