It is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a canine companion post-separation is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such situations prevent former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance across the board. As it turns out, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the inner life of animals – many owners observe their deep emotional capacity. For a prime example in pet despair, consider another performance. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time coping with life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film on such a setup works effectively seems debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, written by its screenwriters and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. It functions as a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the complexity are modest. The narrative is destined to be straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Side characters – featuring familiar faces – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding lush pines as a summer location substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
If these familiar elements coalesce into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The tone vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny inherent in the dog resort scenario. He brings a charming humility that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, given that the title character is easily the best part of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise has potential – but it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.
