It is a widely held belief in certain circles that co-parenting a dog post-separation is ill-advised. Most will argue such arrangements impede individuals from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Without minimizing the inner life of dogs – pet parents speak of their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in pet despair, one need only look a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation holds water remains debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the ambitions remains surface-level. Its storyline proves to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – featuring familiar faces – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually has the quality of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – think obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as North Carolina doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements come together into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and an acceptance of comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach vacillates between serious study, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, failing to master a consistent feel. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character comes across as a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, considering the title character is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for the split would feel more adult and realistic with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, hitting every expected note. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise has potential – but I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
