It is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a dog after a breakup is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups impede former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying for everyone involved. As it turns out, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents attest to their remarkable empathy. For a masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would struggle adapting to life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable remains rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the complexity remains surface-level. The plot is destined to be straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge 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. Ensemble players – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects piled on lush pines as a summer location doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements coalesce into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – 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 stilted moments between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between serious study, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not Charlie Cox, who is fully game the humiliating and funny inherent in the dog resort scenario. He brings a endearing lack of ego that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, given that Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation would feel more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise has potential – even if it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Prime Video on December 10th.
