It is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such setups impede ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying for everyone involved. Seemingly, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the inner life of dogs – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. For a prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation works effectively remains a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by director Swale, never aspires to be deeper than its premise. This is a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the ambitions remains surface-level. The plot unfolds as straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – featuring familiar faces – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts merge into something enjoyable hinges on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie does offer canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise cannot be applied for the romantic plot. Its style wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, not quite landing any one mode. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna can feel a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for the split would feel more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, hitting every expected note. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – even if it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
