This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that jointly caring for a canine companion post-separation is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such setups hinder individuals from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. As it turns out, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of animals – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. If you need standout portrayal in dog sorrow, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would struggle coping with divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on this conflict is sustainable seems a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity remains surface-level. The narrative unfolds as straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in fake snow surrounding lush pines as a summer location substitutes for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these predictable parts coalesce into an entertaining watch rests upon the execution and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for pet content. It provides a series of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. Its style shifts uneasily between emotional depth, broad humor, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is fully game the humiliating and funny inherent in the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The story strives to give weight to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for the split would feel more adult and realistic with less exposition and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film on this shared-custody premise has potential – but it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.
