This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that co-parenting a dog post-separation is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such arrangements prevent individuals from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the mental health of dogs – pet parents observe their deep emotional capacity. If you need masterclass in pet despair, one need only look another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adapting to split households. Whether this premise a full holiday film on such a setup holds water seems debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the ambitions remains surface-level. The narrative unfolds as simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look has the quality of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – think fake snow piled on verdant foliage as a summer location substitutes for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements coalesce into a pleasant experience hinges on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is Merv himself, and while this leads to some stilted moments between animal action and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success is not earned for the human side of the story. The tone shifts uneasily between serious study, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, not quite landing a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, given that Merv is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for the split would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
