This is a widely held belief among many that co-parenting a dog after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such situations hinder former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. As it turns out, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to feel down.
Not to downplay the mental health of animals – pet parents speak of their deep emotional capacity. For a prime example in pet despair, one need only look a past film. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adapting to split households. If this concept a feature-length romcom on this conflict is sustainable seems a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, never aspires to be anything more than what it is. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the depth are modest. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will surely realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – think obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as a warm climate stands in for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
How these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – those people who seek out for pet content. The film delivers a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is Merv himself, and while this leads to some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. The tone vacillates between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, not quite landing a single genre. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward required by the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, particularly when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, the canine performer manages acting depressed – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, hitting every expected note. Making a film with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – but I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
