It is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion following a split is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such situations impede former couples from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and become annoying for everyone involved. Seemingly, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.
While respecting the inner life of dogs – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. If you need prime example in pet despair, one need only look recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix played by Gus the Dog, would struggle adapting to life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable is debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth remains surface-level. The plot is destined to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – think fake snow surrounding verdant foliage as North Carolina stands in for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch rests upon the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – the kind who scroll endlessly for pet content. The film delivers a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness is not earned for the interpersonal drama. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, failing to master any one mode. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is fully game the absurd and awkward inherent in the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. The character comes across as a little too aloof, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, the canine performer succeeds in flopping and whining – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their original breakup might seem more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting every expected note. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting is not terrible – but it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
