This is a common warning among many that co-parenting a canine companion after a breakup is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such arrangements hinder ex-partners from finding closure, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. As it turns out, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
While respecting the mental health of animals – countless people attest to their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, one need only look recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adapting to split households. Whether this premise a full holiday film on such a setup is sustainable is debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by its screenwriters and helmed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than its premise. This is a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity is limited. The plot proves to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow piled on verdant foliage as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these predictable parts coalesce into something enjoyable rests upon the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for pet content. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is Merv himself, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, dog depression, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between emotional depth, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is fully game the humiliating and funny inherent in the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a bit too dry, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, the canine performer manages acting depressed – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to give weight to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, considering the title character is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting every expected note. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – even if I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.
