This is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such setups hinder individuals from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and become annoying across the board. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents attest to their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in pet despair, consider recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult coping with divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a full holiday film on such a setup works effectively seems debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. We have here a holiday release from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. Its storyline unfolds as straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in flurries surrounding green trees as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch rests upon the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who seek out for dog videos. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The tone vacillates between relationship drama, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a single genre. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a touch too detached, notably when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Merv himself is convincing at looking despondent – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a very good boy.)
The film attempts to give weight to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for the split might seem more grounded and mature with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise has potential – but it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
