It is a widely held belief for numerous people that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is ill-advised. Most will argue such arrangements prevent individuals from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and become annoying for all parties. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall another performance. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation works effectively remains a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. This is a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity are modest. The plot proves to be straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – exemplified by flurries surrounding lush pines as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
How these standard ingredients come together into something enjoyable hinges on the execution and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who scroll endlessly for dog videos. It provides a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is Merv himself, and while this leads to some stilted moments between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe inherent in the unusual premise. He brings a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. The character can feel a touch too detached, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages looking despondent – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, considering the title character is easily the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their original breakup might seem more grounded and mature with less exposition and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, meeting every expected note. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise has potential – though it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.
