This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a canine companion following a split is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations hinder individuals from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and become annoying across the board. As it turns out, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to feel down.
While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – pet parents speak of their remarkable empathy. If you need masterclass in pet despair, consider another performance. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix played by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation holds water remains debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and helmed by director 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 complexity are modest. The narrative proves to be uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by flurries clinging to lush pines as North Carolina doubles as the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
If these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable hinges on the execution and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. It provides a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, pet moping, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
This level of success is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The tone shifts uneasily between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a touch too detached, especially when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Gus the Dog manages flopping and whining – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)
The story strives to provide depth to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is undoubtedly the cutest element of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split might seem more adult and realistic with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform this December.
