It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that co-parenting a canine companion following a split is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations prevent ex-partners from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and become annoying for all parties. Apparently, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film on this conflict holds water remains a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. Its storyline unfolds as simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – including a group of comedic actors – serve as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in flurries piled on lush pines as North Carolina doubles as a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
If these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and one's taste for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between emotional depth, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the humiliating and funny inherent in the dog resort scenario. He brings a charming humility that provides much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, the canine performer is convincing at acting depressed – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The story strives to give weight to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, considering the dog is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for the split might seem more adult and realistic with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – even if I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video this December.
