This is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a dog following a split is a terrible idea. Most will argue such situations impede former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for all parties. Apparently, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to feel down.
Without minimizing the mental health of animals – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time coping with split households. Whether this premise a full holiday film on this conflict works effectively remains a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than its premise. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions remains surface-level. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – including familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – think fake snow clinging to green trees as North Carolina stands in for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience rests upon the actors' work and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who seek out for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style wavers between emotional depth, broad humor, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, failing to master a single genre. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the humiliating and funny required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that offers much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a touch too detached, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, given that Merv is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
