This is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations hinder ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying for all parties. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – many owners attest to their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog brought to life by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time coping with divided living arrangements. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation holds water seems rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by director Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than a light film. This is a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – exemplified by obvious snow effects piled on green trees as a summer location doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these predictable parts merge into something enjoyable depends on the actors' work and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – those people who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some clunky cuts between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie does offer dog beach fun, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise is not earned for the romantic plot. The tone wavers between relationship drama, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her Anna comes across as a bit too dry, particularly when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Merv himself manages looking despondent – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, since the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for the split could have been more adult and realistic with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, meeting every expected note. Making a film on this shared-custody premise has potential – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
