It is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a dog post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups impede former couples from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. As it turns out, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to become depressed.
While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – pet parents attest to their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film on such a setup holds water is debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than its premise. This is a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. The narrative unfolds as uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – think fake snow surrounding green trees as North Carolina stands in for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience hinges on the execution and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who browse regularly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, dog depression, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the human side of the story. The tone wavers between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is fully game the absurd and awkward inherent in the unusual premise. He brings a endearing lack of ego that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal comes across as a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages acting depressed – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to give weight to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, considering the title character is by far the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation would feel more adult and realistic with less exposition and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, meeting every expected note. Creating a movie with this canine conflict is not terrible – even if it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
