This is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog following a split is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements prevent ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying for everyone involved. Seemingly, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.
Not to downplay the inner life of our pets – countless people observe their remarkable empathy. For a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adjusting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict holds water remains a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than its premise. We have here a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline unfolds as simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to green trees as a summer location doubles as a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience rests upon the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the canine star, and even if it causes some stilted moments between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie does offer walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The tone shifts uneasily between emotional depth, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is fully game the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that provides much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. The character can feel a bit too dry, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages acting depressed – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to give weight to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, since the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their original breakup would feel more adult and realistic with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – but it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
