This is a common warning among many that co-parenting a canine companion after a breakup is ill-advised. Most will argue such setups hinder former couples from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and prove frustrating across the board. Apparently, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – pet parents attest to their profound sensitivity. To witness a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable seems debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than its premise. This is a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions remains surface-level. Its storyline proves to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Side characters – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – exemplified by fake snow clinging to green trees as North Carolina substitutes for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements merge into something enjoyable depends on the execution and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie does offer walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the romantic plot. Its style wavers between emotional depth, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is fully game the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. The character comes across as a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, the canine performer manages looking despondent – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a very good boy.)
The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, given that the dog is undoubtedly the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for the split might seem more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.
