This is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a dog post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements impede individuals from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and are a nuisance across the board. Seemingly, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to become depressed.
Without minimizing the inner life of dogs – pet parents attest to their deep emotional capacity. For a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with split households. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on such a setup works effectively is rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and under the guidance of director Swale, never aspires to be deeper than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the complexity are modest. The narrative unfolds as straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – including familiar faces – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as a summer location doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who seek out for dog videos. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success is not earned for the romantic plot. The tone shifts uneasily between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is fully game the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her Anna can feel a little too aloof, especially when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the central romance for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is by far the best part of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The cause for their separation could have been more nuanced with less exposition and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video this December.
