It is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements impede former couples from finding closure, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and are a nuisance across the board. As it turns out, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Not to downplay the mental health of animals – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film on this conflict works effectively remains a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. The plot proves to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will surely rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – including a group of comedic actors – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look carries the feel of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – think fake snow piled on lush pines as a summer location substitutes for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
How these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and even if it causes some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise is not earned for the romantic plot. Its style vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, never fully committing to any one mode. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe inherent in the unusual premise. He brings a charming humility that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a touch too detached, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, the canine performer succeeds in acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to give weight to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, given that the dog is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for the split would feel more nuanced with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video on December 10th.
