This is a widely held belief for numerous people that co-parenting a dog post-separation is a terrible idea. Most will argue such situations impede ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the inner life of animals – pet parents speak of their deep emotional capacity. If you need standout portrayal in pet despair, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time coping with split households. If this concept a full holiday film on such a setup is sustainable seems a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. This is a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions is limited. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in flurries clinging to lush pines as North Carolina stands in for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
How these standard ingredients coalesce into a pleasant experience rests upon the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who browse regularly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the canine star, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, pet moping, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness does not extend for the interpersonal drama. Its style vacillates between emotional depth, broad humor, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is fully game the humiliating and funny demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal can feel a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages flopping and whining – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their separation could have been more nuanced with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – even if it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.
