This is a common warning in certain circles that sharing custody a pet post-separation is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations prevent ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying for everyone involved. As it turns out, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to become depressed.
Not to downplay the mental health of dogs – pet parents observe their deep emotional capacity. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, consider another performance. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to split households. If this concept a full holiday film on such a setup holds water seems debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline proves to be simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will surely realize the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – including a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look has the quality of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – think fake snow surrounding verdant foliage as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these standard ingredients merge into a pleasant experience rests upon the execution and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for pet content. It provides a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the canine star, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise is not earned for the human side of the story. Its style wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, not quite landing a single genre. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is fully game the humiliating and funny inherent in the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. The character comes across as a little too aloof, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, the canine performer manages acting depressed – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The story strives to provide depth to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, since Merv is by far the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – even if it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video this December.
