It is a widely held belief in certain circles that co-parenting a pet post-separation is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such arrangements hinder individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating across the board. Apparently, as a development suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents attest to their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in pet despair, simply recall a past film. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adapting to life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film on such a setup holds water seems debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than a light film. It functions as a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. Its storyline proves to be uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will presumably realize the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – featuring a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by fake snow piled on green trees as a summer location doubles as a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
If these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the dog, and while this leads to some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie does offer dog beach fun, pet moping, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The tone vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward inherent in the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna comes across as a touch too detached, particularly when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, the canine performer manages looking despondent – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a very good boy.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, given that the title character is easily the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their original breakup would feel more grounded and mature with more screen time and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video on December 10th.
