This is a common warning in certain circles that sharing custody a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such setups hinder individuals from healing, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.
Without minimizing the inner life of dogs – countless people speak of their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by Gus the Dog, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film on this conflict works effectively remains a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than its premise. It functions as a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will surely realize the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – think flurries surrounding lush pines as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
How these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch rests upon the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – those people who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and while this leads to some awkward editing between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, dog depression, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness does not extend for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between serious study, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, failing to master any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is fully game the humiliating and funny inherent in the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages flopping and whining – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to provide depth to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, considering the title character is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The cause for their separation would feel more nuanced with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, hitting every expected note. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – even if it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.
