It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is ill-advised. Most will argue such arrangements hinder individuals from moving forward, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, as a development suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to feel down.
Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – many owners speak of their remarkable empathy. For a masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall a past film. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to split households. The idea of basing a full holiday film on such a setup holds water seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by familiar faces – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in fake snow surrounding green trees as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
How these predictable parts coalesce into a pleasant experience rests upon the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who scroll endlessly for dog videos. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The tone wavers between serious study, broad humor, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that supplies much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna can feel a little too aloof, especially when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, since the dog is by far the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split might seem more grounded and mature with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict is not terrible – even if it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video this December.
