It is a widely held belief in certain circles that sharing custody a dog after a breakup is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations prevent individuals from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, 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 canine in question to feel down.
While respecting the mental health of dogs – many owners attest to their remarkable empathy. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, consider recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time coping with divided living arrangements. If this concept a full holiday film on such a setup is sustainable is rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by director Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the complexity remains surface-level. Its storyline proves to be simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – played by familiar faces – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – think obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as North Carolina substitutes for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
How these familiar elements merge into something enjoyable depends on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – the kind who browse regularly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, pet moping, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The film's approach vacillates between emotional depth, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward inherent in the unusual premise. His performance contains a charming humility that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal can feel a bit too dry, notably when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, the canine performer manages looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that the title character is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for the split would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – even if it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video on December 10th.
