It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that co-parenting a dog post-separation is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such arrangements impede former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying across the board. As it turns out, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in canine melancholy, one need only look another performance. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time coping with divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation is sustainable is a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and under the guidance of director Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions are modest. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will surely realize the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – including familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. The film's look carries the feel of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding lush pines as a warm climate stands in for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
How these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, failing to master a consistent feel. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward inherent in the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character comes across as a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, since the title character is by far the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split might seem more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling every expected note. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – but I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Prime Video on December 10th.
