It is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such situations impede former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. As it turns out, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – many owners observe their deep emotional capacity. For a prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation holds water seems a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, written by its screenwriters and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. Its storyline unfolds as straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – played by familiar faces – serve as the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – as seen in flurries surrounding green trees as a summer location doubles as the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
If these predictable parts coalesce into a pleasant experience rests upon the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for pet content. It provides a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
This level of success cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The tone wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe demanded of the dog resort scenario. He brings a charming humility that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal comes across as a bit too dry, notably when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)
The story strives to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, since the title character is by far the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation might seem more nuanced with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling every expected note. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv streams on Prime Video on December 10th.
