This is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a dog following a split is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such situations hinder ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance across the board. Seemingly, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners attest to their deep emotional capacity. If you need masterclass in pet despair, one need only look recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation works effectively seems a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than its premise. It functions as a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – including familiar faces – serve as the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – exemplified by flurries surrounding verdant foliage as a warm climate doubles as a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements coalesce into an entertaining watch rests upon the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a plethora of adorable dog montages. The central draw is Merv himself, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. The tone wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a single genre. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward required by the dog resort scenario. He brings a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. The character seems a little too aloof, notably when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Gus the Dog is convincing at acting depressed – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, considering the title character is undoubtedly the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The cause for their original breakup could have been more nuanced with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – though it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.
