This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a canine companion post-separation is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such setups impede ex-partners from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for all parties. Apparently, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. For a masterclass in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would struggle coping with divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a full holiday film on this conflict holds water remains rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by director Swale, never aspires to be anything more than its premise. This is a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. The plot unfolds as straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – played by a group of comedic actors – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in fake snow surrounding lush pines as North Carolina stands in for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
How these standard ingredients coalesce into an entertaining watch rests upon the actors' work and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – the kind who browse regularly for pet content. Audiences receive a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness does not extend for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between serious study, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a single genre. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward inherent in the unusual premise. He brings a charming humility that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her Anna can feel a bit too dry, particularly when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, considering the dog is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation would feel more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise has potential – though I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.
