This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups impede former couples from healing, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the mental health of animals – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in dog sorrow, consider recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adjusting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a full holiday film on this conflict holds water remains debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. This is a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. The narrative is destined to be straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as a summer location substitutes for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these familiar elements come together into something enjoyable depends on the execution and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is Merv himself, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
This level of success cannot be applied for the human side of the story. Its style shifts uneasily between emotional depth, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the bizarre setting. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering the title character is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for the split might seem more grounded and mature with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – but it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.
