This is a widely held belief among many that jointly caring for a canine companion post-separation is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations prevent individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Without minimizing the mental health of animals – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation holds water is rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions is limited. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
How these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the actors' work and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who scroll endlessly for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The tone vacillates between serious study, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny demanded of the dog resort scenario. He brings a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, particularly when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a very good boy.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is undoubtedly the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their original breakup could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
