It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a canine companion following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements prevent former couples from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Without minimizing the inner life of animals – many owners speak of their deep emotional capacity. For a masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall another performance. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix played by Gus the Dog, would struggle adapting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a full holiday film on such a setup holds water is a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by director Swale, never aspires to be more profound than a light film. This is a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by fake snow clinging to green trees as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is Merv himself, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The tone shifts uneasily between serious study, broad humor, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny inherent in the unusual premise. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal comes across as a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, the canine performer succeeds in flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a very good boy.)
Merv tries to add substance to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, considering the dog is undoubtedly the cutest element of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split would feel more adult and realistic with less exposition and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – though it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
