It is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a dog following a split is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements prevent former couples from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and become annoying for everyone involved. As it turns out, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to feel down.
Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. For a masterclass in pet despair, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film on such a setup works effectively remains rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, written by its screenwriters and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity is limited. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects piled on lush pines as North Carolina stands in for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these standard ingredients coalesce into something enjoyable depends on the strength of the performances and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the canine star, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie does offer canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise is not earned for the romantic plot. The tone vacillates between relationship drama, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny inherent in the unusual premise. He brings a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a bit too dry, especially when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, the canine performer manages looking despondent – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, given that Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their original breakup might seem more grounded and mature with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, hitting all its marks. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – even if it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.
