This is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such situations impede individuals from moving forward, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. As it turns out, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.
Without minimizing the mental health of dogs – pet parents speak of their profound sensitivity. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with split households. The idea of basing a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable is rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and under the guidance of director Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than its premise. This is a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth are modest. The plot unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look has the quality of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries surrounding verdant foliage as a warm climate stands in for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
How these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience rests upon the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for pet content. It provides a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. The tone vacillates between relationship drama, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a single genre. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. He brings a endearing lack of ego that provides 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 click for some but not others. Her Anna comes across as a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages acting depressed – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, since the title character is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their separation might seem more nuanced with more screen time and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – though it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.
