This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such situations prevent ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people speak of their remarkable empathy. For a standout portrayal in pet despair, consider recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a full holiday film on this conflict works effectively is rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, written by the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than a light film. This is a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. The plot is destined to be straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – think flurries surrounding verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
How these standard ingredients merge into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for dog videos. It provides a series of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the dog, and while this leads to some stilted moments between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie does offer dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The tone vacillates between emotional depth, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. He brings a likable self-deprecation that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, the canine performer manages looking despondent – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains an excellent dog.)
The story strives to give weight to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, given that the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with more screen time and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, hitting every expected note. Making a film on this shared-custody premise has potential – but it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.
