It is a common warning among many that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. Most will argue such situations impede former couples from finding closure, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for all parties. Seemingly, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people speak of their remarkable empathy. For a masterclass in pet despair, consider another performance. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type played by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time coping with divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a full holiday film on this conflict works effectively seems debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the complexity are modest. The narrative proves to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
How these standard ingredients coalesce into a pleasant experience rests upon the execution and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the canine star, and even if it causes some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a single genre. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny inherent in the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a touch too detached, particularly when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Gus the Dog succeeds in acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)
The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, considering Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The reason for their original breakup might seem more adult and realistic with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting is not terrible – though I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
