This is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a pet following a split is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements prevent former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance across the board. Seemingly, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – many owners speak of their deep emotional capacity. For a masterclass in dog sorrow, one need only look a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film on this conflict works effectively seems a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and helmed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than what it is. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. Its storyline proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – including familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – think fake snow piled on verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these familiar elements coalesce into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – the kind who browse regularly for pet content. Audiences receive a series of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is Merv himself, and while this leads to some awkward editing between animal action and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, pet moping, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. The tone wavers between serious study, broad humor, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not Charlie Cox, who is fully game the absurd and awkward required by the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. The character seems a bit too dry, particularly when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages acting depressed – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to give weight to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, given that the title character is undoubtedly the best part of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for the split would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – though it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
