This is a common warning in certain circles that sharing custody a pet after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such arrangements prevent former couples from healing, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Without minimizing the inner life of animals – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. If you need masterclass in pet despair, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog portrayed by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a full holiday film on this conflict works effectively is rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than its premise. This is a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth remains surface-level. The plot proves to be straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects clinging to green trees as a summer location doubles as a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
If these standard ingredients merge into a pleasant experience rests upon the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who scroll endlessly for pet content. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the canine star, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer dog beach fun, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
The same praise is not earned for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between emotional depth, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny required by the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that supplies much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog manages acting depressed – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)
The story strives to provide depth to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since the title character is easily the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more nuanced with more screen time and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – but it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Prime Video this December.
