This is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a canine companion following a split is ill-advised. Most will argue such arrangements hinder ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for all parties. Apparently, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.
While respecting the inner life of animals – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would struggle coping with split households. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation works effectively remains debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of director Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than its premise. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. The plot is destined to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – think fake snow piled on green trees as North Carolina doubles as the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
How these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch rests upon the execution and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the canine star, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The tone wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a single genre. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a little too aloof, especially when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, given that Merv is by far the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their original breakup might seem more nuanced with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – even if it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
