This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements impede former couples from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents speak of their deep emotional capacity. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film on such a setup holds water is a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. Its storyline proves to be uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by flurries piled on verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
If these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – those people who seek out for cute animal clips. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success does not extend for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between serious study, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. He brings a charming humility that provides much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a little too aloof, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Gus the Dog succeeds in acting depressed – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still an excellent dog.)
The story strives to provide depth to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is by far the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The reason for their original breakup would feel more grounded and mature with more screen time and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – though I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video this December.
