This is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such setups impede ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying for all parties. As it turns out, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – pet parents speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in pet despair, consider recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with divided living arrangements. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively is rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the ambitions are modest. The narrative unfolds as straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – as seen in flurries clinging to lush pines as North Carolina doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements coalesce into something enjoyable rests upon the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who browse regularly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the canine star, and while this leads to some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, pet moping, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the romantic plot. Its style wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a single genre. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a bit too dry, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself manages acting depressed – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, since the title character is easily the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more adult and realistic with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – though it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.
