This is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion following a split is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such setups hinder former couples from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and are a nuisance across the board. As it turns out, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to feel down.
While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – many owners observe their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in dog sorrow, consider recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time coping with divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation works effectively seems rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, written by its screenwriters and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. This is a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the depth are modest. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – including a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – as seen in flurries clinging to lush pines as North Carolina stands in for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
How these standard ingredients coalesce into something enjoyable depends on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some awkward editing between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between emotional depth, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is fully game the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a bit too dry, especially when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since the dog is by far the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The reason for the split would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict is not terrible – but it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.
