It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a canine companion following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups hinder ex-partners from finding closure, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and prove frustrating across the board. Apparently, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to feel down.
Without minimizing the mental health of our pets – pet parents speak of their deep emotional capacity. To witness a masterclass in pet despair, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult coping with divided living arrangements. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict holds water is rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than what it is. It functions as a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline proves to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will surely realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – think flurries surrounding lush pines as a warm climate doubles as a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
How these predictable parts coalesce into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, pet moping, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a single genre. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, especially when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself is convincing at looking despondent – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a very good boy.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, since Merv is easily the best part of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their original breakup would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Making a film on this shared-custody premise has potential – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.
