It is a widely held belief for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups hinder ex-partners from healing, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and become annoying for all parties. Apparently, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the mental health of animals – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. If you need prime example in pet despair, simply recall another performance. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable remains a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than a light film. This is a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the complexity remains surface-level. The plot proves to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – including familiar faces – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects piled on lush pines as North Carolina doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these predictable parts coalesce into a pleasant experience rests upon the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – the kind who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, not quite landing a consistent feel. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is fully game the humiliating and funny inherent in the bizarre setting. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. The character seems a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, the canine performer manages acting depressed – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a very good boy.)
The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is undoubtedly the cutest element of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict is not terrible – even if it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.
