This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is ill-advised. Most will argue such arrangements hinder ex-partners from finding closure, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.
Not to downplay the inner life of our pets – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in pet despair, one need only look a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adapting to split households. If this concept a feature-length romcom on this conflict works effectively seems debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the depth are modest. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in flurries surrounding verdant foliage as a warm climate stands in for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
How these familiar elements merge into something enjoyable depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is Merv himself, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, dog depression, and, in the end, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character comes across as a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a very good boy.)
Merv tries to add substance to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, given that the title character is easily the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with less exposition and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.
