This is a widely held belief in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.
Without minimizing the mental health of dogs – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. For a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, consider a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation works effectively remains rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions are modest. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – think fake snow clinging to green trees as North Carolina stands in for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these standard ingredients coalesce into a pleasant experience hinges on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the canine star, and even if it causes some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between relationship drama, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, not quite landing a single genre. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe inherent in the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, notably when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The story strives to add substance to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, since the title character is by far the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The reason for the split would feel more grounded and mature with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie with this canine conflict is not terrible – even if it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.
