This is a widely held belief in certain circles that co-parenting a dog after a breakup is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such situations prevent ex-partners from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. Seemingly, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to feel down.
While respecting the mental health of animals – countless people attest to their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in pet despair, simply recall recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to split households. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on this conflict works effectively seems rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than its premise. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually has the quality of a branded content, 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
How these standard ingredients coalesce into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who browse regularly for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, failing to master any one mode. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that offers much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal comes across as a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Merv himself is convincing at acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)
Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, considering Merv is by far the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their original breakup could have been more adult and realistic with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Creating a movie with this canine conflict is not terrible – even if I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
