It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that jointly caring for a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such arrangements prevent ex-partners from healing, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and are a nuisance across the board. As it turns out, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to feel down.
Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – many owners observe their profound sensitivity. If you need prime example in pet despair, consider another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would struggle coping with divided living arrangements. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation holds water seems debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a corporate studio – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – including familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. The film's look has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in flurries piled on verdant foliage as North Carolina doubles as the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
How these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience depends on the actors' work and one's taste for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – those people who scroll endlessly for dog videos. The film delivers a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the dog, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, since Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The cause for their separation would feel more nuanced with less exposition and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – but it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.
