It is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion following a split is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations prevent ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the mental health of dogs – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in pet despair, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type played by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to split households. If this concept a feature-length romcom on such a setup holds water seems debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. This is a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the ambitions remains surface-level. The plot is destined to be straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will surely rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – played by familiar faces – serve as the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these standard ingredients coalesce into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who scroll endlessly for dog videos. It provides a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer dog beach fun, pet moping, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between emotional depth, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that provides much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna seems a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Gus the Dog succeeds in acting depressed – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The story strives to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, since Merv is by far the best part of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation would feel more nuanced with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story with this canine conflict is not terrible – but I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.
