It is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements prevent former couples from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and prove frustrating across the board. Seemingly, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the inner life of dogs – pet parents speak of their remarkable empathy. For a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, simply recall a past film. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adapting to life in two homes. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation is sustainable is a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and directed by director Swale, never aspires to be deeper than a light film. It functions as a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the depth are modest. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – as seen in flurries clinging to lush pines as a summer location substitutes for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
How these standard ingredients coalesce into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who browse regularly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a plethora of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. The tone shifts uneasily between emotional depth, broad humor, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, especially when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Merv himself is convincing at flopping and whining – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to add substance to the central romance for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, given that Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for the split would feel more adult and realistic with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – even if I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.
