It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that co-parenting a canine companion following a split is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements prevent individuals from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. As it turns out, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.
While respecting the mental health of dogs – pet parents speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a standout portrayal in pet despair, one need only look another performance. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by Gus the Dog, would struggle coping with divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a full holiday film on such a setup works effectively seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, never aspires to be anything more than what it is. This is a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth remains surface-level. The plot is destined to be straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will surely rediscover the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – 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 obviously artificial – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
How these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who browse regularly for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, pet moping, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach shifts uneasily between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the dog resort scenario. He brings a charming humility that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. The character comes across as a bit too dry, notably when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Gus the Dog is convincing at acting depressed – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, considering Merv is easily the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their original breakup might seem more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – but it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
