This is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a pet following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such situations hinder ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying across the board. Seemingly, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents attest to their remarkable empathy. If you need prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a full holiday film on such a setup is sustainable seems debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity is limited. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will surely realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects clinging to green trees as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these standard ingredients come together into an entertaining watch depends on the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the canine star, and though it results in some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style vacillates between emotional depth, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that provides much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. The character can feel a touch too detached, particularly when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, the canine performer manages acting depressed – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, given that the title character is undoubtedly the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split would feel more grounded and mature with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Prime Video this December.
