It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such arrangements hinder individuals from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. As it turns out, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to become depressed.
Not to downplay the mental health of dogs – countless people speak of their deep emotional capacity. If you need standout portrayal in pet despair, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with split households. Whether this premise a full holiday film on this conflict works effectively is a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and under the guidance of director Swale, never aspires to be anything more than a light film. We have here a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions is limited. The plot proves to be simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – played by a group of comedic actors – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – think flurries piled on lush pines as a warm climate stands in for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these familiar elements coalesce into something enjoyable depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who scroll endlessly for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some stilted moments between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, dog depression, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between emotional depth, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, not quite landing a consistent feel. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a little too aloof, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages acting depressed – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to provide depth to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, given that the dog is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The cause for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise has potential – but it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video this December.
