This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a dog post-separation is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such situations impede individuals from healing, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable seems a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of director Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than a light film. It functions as a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the complexity remains surface-level. The narrative is destined to be straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – including a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries surrounding green trees as a warm climate doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. The film delivers a series of adorable dog montages. The central draw is Merv himself, and even if it causes some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, pet moping, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success does not extend for the interpersonal drama. Its style vacillates between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, failing to master any one mode. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is fully game the absurd and awkward required by the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that provides much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. The character comes across as a touch too detached, particularly when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog succeeds in acting depressed – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a very good boy.)
The story strives to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, since the dog is by far the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The cause for their separation might seem more adult and realistic with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – though I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
