This is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a dog post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups prevent former couples from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. As it turns out, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – countless people observe their remarkable empathy. If you need masterclass in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to split households. The idea of basing a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than a light film. We have here a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity is limited. The narrative proves to be straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects piled on green trees as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
If these standard ingredients come together into something enjoyable depends on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and while this leads to some stilted moments between animal action and people's faces, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, pet moping, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness does not extend for the interpersonal drama. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a single genre. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward inherent in the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a bit too dry, particularly when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a very good boy.)
Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, considering the dog is undoubtedly the cutest element of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split would feel more adult and realistic with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.
