It is a widely held belief among many that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and become annoying for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of dogs – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. For a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, consider recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by Gus the Dog, would struggle adapting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation holds water remains a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by director Swale, never aspires to be anything more than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the depth are modest. The plot unfolds as straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – including familiar faces – serve as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as a summer location substitutes for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
How these standard ingredients come together into a pleasant experience rests upon the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – those people who browse regularly for cute animal clips. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie does offer canine party antics, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between relationship drama, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, not quite landing any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the unusual premise. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her Anna comes across as a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, since the title character is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for the split might seem more adult and realistic with more screen time and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict has potential – even if it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
