It is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is a terrible idea. Most will argue such situations hinder former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to feel down.
While respecting the mental health of our pets – pet parents attest to their deep emotional capacity. If you need standout portrayal in pet despair, simply recall a past film. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film on such a setup works effectively seems rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, written by its screenwriters and directed by director Swale, never aspires to be anything more than a light film. This is a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline proves to be uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – think flurries piled on green trees as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
How these predictable parts coalesce into something enjoyable hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who scroll endlessly for pet content. Audiences receive a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style shifts uneasily between emotional depth, broad humor, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, never fully committing to any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny required by the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a charming humility that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character comes across as a touch too detached, especially when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself is convincing at flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)
The story strives to give weight to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, since the title character is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for the split would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
