This is a widely held belief for numerous people that co-parenting a pet following a split is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to become depressed.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of animals – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in canine melancholy, one need only look recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation holds water remains a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than its premise. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth remains surface-level. The narrative unfolds as straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
If these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who browse regularly for pet content. The film delivers a wealth of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the dog, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
This level of success cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, not quite landing any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, the canine performer is convincing at flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)
The story strives to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is easily the cutest element of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their original breakup might seem more grounded and mature with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Prime Video this December.
