This is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such situations hinder ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
While respecting the mental health of our pets – many owners attest to their deep emotional capacity. For a prime example in pet despair, one need only look recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to split households. If this concept a full holiday film on such a setup holds water seems a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, written by its screenwriters and helmed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than its premise. This is a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth are modest. Its storyline unfolds as straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – featuring a group of comedic actors – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – think fake snow surrounding green trees as a summer location substitutes for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
How these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some stilted moments between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, pet moping, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the bizarre setting. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna can feel a bit too dry, particularly when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The story strives to give weight to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, considering Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their separation would feel more nuanced with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – though it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
