It is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such setups hinder former couples from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and become annoying for all parties. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the mental health of animals – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. If you need prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adjusting to split households. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on such a setup is sustainable remains rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will surely rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – featuring a group of comedic actors – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – as seen in flurries surrounding lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience hinges on the strength of the performances and one's taste for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who scroll endlessly for dog videos. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on walking sequences, pet moping, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is fully game the silliness and cringe inherent in the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a bit too dry, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog succeeds in flopping and whining – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a very good boy.)
The story strives to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film on this shared-custody premise has potential – but it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video on December 10th.
