This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that co-parenting a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements hinder ex-partners from finding closure, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. As it turns out, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
While respecting the mental health of our pets – pet parents attest to their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adapting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a full holiday film on this conflict works effectively is a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, written by its screenwriters and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity is limited. The narrative unfolds as simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – as seen in flurries clinging to lush pines as a summer location substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience hinges on the execution and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for dog videos. It provides a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the dog, and while this leads to some awkward editing between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness is not earned for the romantic plot. The tone wavers between serious study, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe inherent in the dog resort scenario. He brings a endearing lack of ego that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. The character can feel a touch too detached, particularly when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself is convincing at acting depressed – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, given that the title character is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup might seem more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting every expected note. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – even if it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.
