This is a widely held belief for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog following a split is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements prevent individuals from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. Seemingly, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the mental health of animals – pet parents speak of their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film on such a setup is sustainable remains rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, written by its screenwriters and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. It functions as a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity remains surface-level. Its storyline proves to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring a group of comedic actors – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – think obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The tone shifts uneasily between emotional depth, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, failing to master any one mode. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is fully game the humiliating and funny inherent in the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that provides much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. The character comes across as a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, given that the dog is by far the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The reason for their original breakup might seem more grounded and mature with less exposition and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – but it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
