This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations prevent ex-partners from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and become annoying for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the inner life of our pets – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. To witness a standout portrayal in pet despair, one need only look another performance. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would struggle adjusting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable seems rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and under the guidance of director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the ambitions is limited. The narrative is destined to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by fake snow clinging to green trees as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and an acceptance of easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
The same praise cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The tone shifts uneasily between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and silly gags, not quite landing a consistent feel. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe inherent in the unusual premise. He brings a endearing lack of ego that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna seems a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The story strives to provide depth to the central romance for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, since the title character is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.
