It is a widely held belief for numerous people that sharing custody a pet following a split is ill-advised. Most will argue such arrangements hinder ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of dogs – pet parents attest to their deep emotional capacity. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, one need only look a past film. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix played by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film on such a setup holds water seems debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, written by its screenwriters and under the guidance of director Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the depth is limited. The narrative unfolds as uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will surely realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in flurries piled on green trees as a warm climate substitutes for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these predictable parts coalesce into an entertaining watch rests upon the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and human reaction, the movie does offer canine party antics, dog depression, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a single genre. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, the canine performer manages acting depressed – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, given that the dog is by far the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The reason for their original breakup might seem more grounded and mature with more screen time and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video this December.
