This is a widely held belief for numerous people that co-parenting a pet post-separation is ill-advised. Most will argue such arrangements hinder individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to feel down.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of dogs – many owners observe their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, consider another performance. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water seems debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – exemplified by flurries surrounding verdant foliage as North Carolina doubles as a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch rests upon the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who scroll endlessly for pet content. Audiences receive a plethora of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the canine star, and while this leads to some stilted moments between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, finally, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The tone shifts uneasily between emotional depth, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, failing to master a single genre. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe demanded of the unusual premise. His performance contains a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna can feel a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)
The story strives to add substance to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is easily the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The cause for the split could have been more nuanced with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Making a film with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – though I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.