It is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a pet post-separation is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such setups prevent ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for all parties. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.
Without minimizing the inner life of animals – countless people speak of their remarkable empathy. If you need standout portrayal in pet despair, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with split households. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation works effectively is debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, written by its screenwriters and directed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than a light film. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. The narrative is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will presumably realize the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – think obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience rests upon the execution and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – individuals who browse regularly for pet content. It provides a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, pet moping, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
The same praise cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is fully game the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog succeeds in flopping and whining – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since Merv is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their separation might seem more grounded and mature with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.
