This is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a pet following a split is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such situations impede individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to become depressed.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. For a prime example in dog sorrow, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog played by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to split households. Whether this premise a full holiday film on such a setup is sustainable is debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth remains surface-level. The narrative is destined to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely realize the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – think fake snow clinging to lush pines as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the actors' work and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who scroll endlessly for pet content. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the canine star, and even if it causes some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success cannot be applied for the human side of the story. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. He brings a likable self-deprecation that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna can feel a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog succeeds in looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)
Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The cause for their separation might seem more adult and realistic with less exposition and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – even if it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
