This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such situations impede former couples from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. As it turns out, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to feel down.
While respecting the inner life of animals – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. For a masterclass in dog sorrow, one need only look recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a full holiday film on this conflict holds water seems debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than a light film. This is a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will presumably realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – including a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
How these standard ingredients merge into something enjoyable hinges on the strength of the performances and one's taste for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for pet content. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is Merv himself, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The tone shifts uneasily between emotional depth, broad humor, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master a single genre. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. The character seems a bit too dry, notably when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to add substance to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, given that the title character is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The cause for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – but I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video this December.
