This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion following a split is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such arrangements prevent ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.
While respecting the inner life of dogs – pet parents attest to their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult coping with divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a full holiday film on such a setup holds water is a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and helmed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity are modest. The plot is destined to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
How these standard ingredients come together into an entertaining watch hinges on the actors' work and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise is not earned for the human side of the story. Its style shifts uneasily between serious study, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, failing to master a single genre. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. The character seems a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, the canine performer manages flopping and whining – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The film attempts to add substance to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, considering Merv is by far the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The cause for their separation might seem more adult and realistic with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – even if it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Prime Video this December.
