This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements hinder individuals from moving forward, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. As it turns out, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.
While respecting the inner life of dogs – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, simply recall another performance. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to split households. The idea of basing a full holiday film on such a setup works effectively seems a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and directed by director Swale, never aspires to be deeper than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a corporate studio – the ambitions remains surface-level. The narrative unfolds as simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – featuring a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look has the quality of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in flurries clinging to lush pines as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
If these familiar elements come together into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the canine star, and even if it causes some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style wavers between emotional depth, broad humor, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny demanded of the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna can feel a touch too detached, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, the canine performer manages flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, since the title character is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting is not terrible – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Prime Video this December.
