It is a widely held belief among many that sharing custody a pet following a split is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such setups prevent ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the inner life of our pets – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in pet despair, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film on such a setup holds water seems debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity remains surface-level. Its storyline proves to be simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by familiar faces – serve as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as a summer location substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these standard ingredients coalesce into a pleasant experience depends on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a series of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise is not earned for the human side of the story. The tone shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, notably when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, the canine performer succeeds in acting depressed – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is by far the best part of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation might seem more grounded and mature with less exposition and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.
