It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such situations hinder ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance across the board. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – many owners speak of their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adapting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable remains a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than a light film. This is a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions remains surface-level. The plot is destined to be straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – featuring a group of comedic actors – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic has the quality of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – think fake snow clinging to lush pines as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
If these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the canine star, and while this leads to some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, dog depression, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness is not earned for the romantic plot. Its style shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, failing to master any one mode. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the bizarre setting. He brings a endearing lack of ego that supplies much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. The character seems a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, given that the title character is undoubtedly the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their original breakup could have been more grounded and mature with less exposition and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting all its marks. Making a film on this shared-custody premise has potential – even if it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Prime Video on December 10th.
