This is a common warning among many that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such arrangements impede ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. For a masterclass in pet despair, one need only look a past film. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to split households. Whether this premise a full holiday film on this conflict holds water remains a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than what it is. This is a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity is limited. The narrative proves to be straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – including familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in flurries piled on green trees as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
If these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch rests upon the execution and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who seek out for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the dog, and though it results in some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success is not earned for the human side of the story. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a single genre. This is not Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. The character seems a little too aloof, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, the canine performer succeeds in flopping and whining – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains an excellent dog.)
The story strives to give weight to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, given that Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for the split could have been more grounded and mature with more screen time and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, hitting every expected note. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.
