This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is a terrible idea. Most will argue such situations hinder former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. To witness a standout portrayal in pet despair, simply recall another performance. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adapting to split households. Whether this premise a full holiday film on such a setup is sustainable seems a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. The narrative proves to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will presumably realize the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – think fake snow surrounding lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience rests upon the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style wavers between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. The character seems a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Merv himself manages acting depressed – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering the title character is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for the split could have been more adult and realistic with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film on this shared-custody premise has potential – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
