This is a widely held belief in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such situations hinder former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying across the board. Seemingly, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
While respecting the inner life of dogs – pet parents speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, one need only look a past film. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would struggle adjusting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable is debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than its premise. This is a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. The plot proves to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – think obvious snow effects piled on lush pines as North Carolina doubles as the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch rests upon the actors' work and one's taste for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who seek out for cute animal clips. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness is not earned for the romantic plot. The tone wavers between serious study, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, failing to master a single genre. This is not Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny inherent in the dog resort scenario. He brings a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. The character seems a touch too detached, especially when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Merv himself is convincing at flopping and whining – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a very good boy.)
The story strives to provide depth to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, since Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for the split could have been more adult and realistic with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – but it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video this December.
