This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such situations prevent ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying for all parties. As it turns out, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.
While respecting the inner life of dogs – pet parents speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, one need only look recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adapting to split households. If this concept a feature-length romcom on this conflict holds water is a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. The narrative is destined to be straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – featuring a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects piled on green trees as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements merge into something enjoyable rests upon the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for dog videos. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the canine star, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer canine party antics, dog depression, and, in the end, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The tone shifts uneasily between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, not quite landing a single genre. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the dog resort scenario. He brings a charming humility that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, notably when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer manages looking despondent – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a very good boy.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, given that the dog is undoubtedly the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their original breakup might seem more adult and realistic with more screen time and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting all its marks. Making a film on this shared-custody premise has potential – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.
