This is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog following a split is a terrible idea. Most will argue such setups prevent former couples from moving forward, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and become annoying for everyone involved. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners speak of their remarkable empathy. If you need prime example in pet despair, consider a past film. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adapting to split households. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation works effectively seems rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, written by its screenwriters and directed by director Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions remains surface-level. The plot is destined to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will surely realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – including familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – as seen in fake snow piled on green trees as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable rests upon the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – those people who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer dog beach fun, dog depression, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise does not extend for the human side of the story. The film's approach shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, not quite landing a single genre. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is fully game the humiliating and funny required by the dog resort scenario. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Merv himself manages acting depressed – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The film attempts to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with more screen time and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – though it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.
