It is a common warning among many that sharing custody a pet after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such setups impede individuals from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to become depressed.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents speak of their remarkable empathy. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult coping with divided living arrangements. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict holds water seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of director Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than its premise. This is a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the complexity are modest. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – think obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these predictable parts coalesce into something enjoyable hinges on the execution and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who seek out for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The tone shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a single genre. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe inherent in the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity 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, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, given that the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their separation might seem more nuanced with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting is not terrible – even if it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.
