It is a widely held belief for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such setups impede former couples from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and become annoying for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
While respecting the mental health of animals – many owners speak of their deep emotional capacity. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, consider recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film on such a setup works effectively remains a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth is limited. The narrative is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – think obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as North Carolina doubles as a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who browse regularly for pet content. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and while this leads to some stilted moments between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise is not earned for the human side of the story. The tone wavers between serious study, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, failing to master a single genre. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward inherent in the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages looking despondent – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, considering the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup might seem more nuanced with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – though I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video this December.
