This is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a canine companion following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such situations impede former couples from healing, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the inner life of animals – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict holds water remains debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and directed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the depth is limited. The narrative unfolds as straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will surely realize the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look has the quality of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these familiar elements coalesce into an entertaining watch hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a plethora of adorable dog montages. The central draw is Merv himself, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The tone shifts uneasily between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is fully game the humiliating and funny required by the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. The character comes across as a touch too detached, especially when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, the canine performer succeeds in flopping and whining – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a very good boy.)
The story strives to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split might seem more grounded and mature with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – even if it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
