This is a widely held belief for numerous people that co-parenting a dog after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements prevent former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to feel down.
Not to downplay the inner life of our pets – pet parents attest to their profound sensitivity. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix played by Gus the Dog, would struggle adjusting to split households. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water seems rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the depth are modest. The plot unfolds as straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in obvious snow effects piled on lush pines as North Carolina substitutes for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie does offer walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a single genre. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. The character comes across as a bit too dry, notably when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, the canine performer succeeds in acting depressed – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, considering the title character is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The cause for their original breakup could have been more adult and realistic with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, hitting every expected note. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video this December.
