This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion after a breakup is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such situations impede individuals from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating across the board. Seemingly, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Without minimizing the mental health of dogs – many owners attest to their remarkable empathy. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look 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 find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable seems a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than a light film. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity remains surface-level. The narrative unfolds as simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will presumably realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look has the quality of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding lush pines as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
How these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch hinges on the strength of the performances and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – those people who browse regularly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, pet moping, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style shifts uneasily between emotional depth, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, failing to master any one mode. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe demanded of the dog resort scenario. He brings a likable self-deprecation that supplies much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a bit too dry, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at acting depressed – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The story strives to provide depth to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, since the dog is by far the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The reason for their original breakup could have been more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting every expected note. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – but I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Prime Video on December 10th.
