This is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a pet post-separation is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such setups prevent ex-partners from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for all parties. Seemingly, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the mental health of animals – countless people speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog played by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film on such a setup holds water is rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, never aspires to be deeper than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. The plot is destined to be simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as North Carolina substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch rests upon the actors' work and one's taste for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – the kind who scroll endlessly for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise cannot be applied for the romantic plot. Its style wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny inherent in the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal comes across as a touch too detached, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, the canine performer manages flopping and whining – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a very good boy.)
The film attempts to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, given that the dog is by far the best part of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split would feel more nuanced with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
